Church of the Nazarene

Kyle Poole appointed superintendent of Kansas City District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:46:26 +0000

Kyle Poole appointed superintendent of Kansas City District

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 21:46

W. Kyle Poole was appointed superintendent of the Kansas City District on 17 September 2024. He has led the Georgia District as superintendent since 2018.

The appointment was made by General Superintendent David Busic in consultation with the Kansas City District Advisory Committee and the Board of General Superintendents.

Poole will replace Eddie Estep, who was appointed the superintendent of the South Central Ohio District. Poole’s appointment is effective 4 November 2024.

Prior to his election to the superintendency of the Georgia District in 2018, Poole served as the lead pastor at Midland Valley Community Church of the Nazarene in Graniteville, South Carolina, a position he held since 2010. Prior to this, Poole served as a minister in Kansas, Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Poole received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in 1991 and his Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1995.

He and his wife reside in Locust Grove, Georgia.

Central Argentine District blesses Paraguay churches through missions trip

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:03:00 +0000

Central Argentine District blesses Paraguay churches through missions trip

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 21:03

Nazarene Missions International of the Central Argentine District organized a missions trip to southern Paraguay to serve and bless the churches there. District leaders hoped a key takeaway for the participants would be significant experiences that awakened calls to go, send, and give so that the mission could continue.

A total of 25 people of different ages from churches across the district lived a cross-cultural service experience that allowed them to learn about Paraguayan culture.

Fabian Carrizo, district NMI president, who coordinated this trip, said: “We believe that through missions experiences like these, people’s lives will be edified, and they will spread to their local churches to continue developing in pursuit of God’s mission.”

Different activities were carried out in the communities of Pilar, Paso Taji, Isla Roy, and Guazucua, including the construction of the wall of the Church of the Nazarene on Isla Roy; evangelism with children through interactive lessons, games, and recreational dynamics; evangelism with adults through compassion strategies and walks; and support for activities planned and organized by local churches.

Ángeles Maldonado, who was part of the missions team, said that his life would not be the same after the trip.

“Learning to give without knowing, stripping myself of my comforts to serve others, like sleeping little and on the floor (with a sleeping bag), eating what they give you with so much love, trying capybara, and being a team without knowing each other [was] the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.”

Estefanía Santillana said the Lord spoke to her personally.

“Everything I experienced day by day was an instruction to prepare me for the missionary call that I have had for years,” Santillana said.

Carol and Luca* said that the missions experience was enlightening for themselves and those they reached.

“Although we left with the desire to be instruments of blessing, we returned home more blessed than we could have ever imagined,” Carol and Lucas said.
*Last name omitted for privacy

--Church of the Nazarene South America

JESUS Film showings lead to life transformation in Africa

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:39:33 +0000

JESUS Film showings lead to life transformation in Africa

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:39

The following two stories are stories of transformation for two individuals thanks to showings of the JESUS film in Zambia and Sierra Leone.

Testimony of Lister Mbewe

Twenty-six-year-old Lister Mbewe was a heavy drinker before she came to know Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. She details her journey to becoming a born-again Christian.

Mbewe operated a small business of selling tomatoes and charcoal at the market, which was thriving. However, over time, her excessive drinking led to the downfall of her business and made her life unbearable.

After being invited by one of her daughters to a screening of the JESUS film, Mbewe had a change of heart. Witnessing the portrayal of Jesus’ suffering moved her deeply, leading her to confess her sins and embrace him in her life.

Mbewe, who had never before attended church services, now regularly participates in and is being discipled through Bible study classes. Her transformation has brought joy to her family, demonstrating the impact of God’s work in her life.

Testimony of Abdul

Abdul, a traditional medicine man in his village in Sierra Leone, would use herbs and leaves to offering healing to people. He was passing by and saw the crowds gathered watching the JESUS film in his language. The message was very clear, and he was captivated by it as he stood to watch the entire film.

Abdul was deeply touched by how Jesus could perform miracles and healings as well as the compassion that Jesus had for everyone. Since he was a traditional healer, this aspect of Jesus’ ministry was powerful to him.

Abdul thought he was powerful in his own strength and knowledge, and he did not treat people who came to see him with the kindness that Jesus did. He knew he was off track in terms of healing and relating to his clients. As he continued to watch, he also realized that, spiritually, he was lost and needed Jesus.

“In all my years of practicing traditional medicine, never have I felt so worried about my spiritual condition,” Abdul said. “At the end of the film, I stepped out and surrendered my life to Jesus. Please pray with me so I will continue to walk with Jesus. I trust that his grace will see me through my new journey.”

To learn more about JESUS Film Harvest Partners, click here.

Bromley District celebrates opening of district center

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:32:07 +0000

Bromley District celebrates opening of district center

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:32

The Bromley District in Papua New Guinea marked a significant moment of progress and community development with the grand opening of its district center on 24 August 2024.

The celebration included the inauguration of the district superintendent’s house, a duplex staff house for Tsingoropa Nazarene Primary School, and three health center buildings featuring an inpatient wing, an outpatient wing, and a staff house.

This event was attended by representatives from Nazarene Health Ministries, Melanesia South Pacific Field office, district superintendents, local Christians, and esteemed guests from the Tsingoropa community in partnership with the Jiwaka Provincial Education Board and Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority.

The gathering not only marked the completion of these vital facilities but also highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication to improving education and healthcare in the area.

In 1960, William Bromley, an early missionary to Papua New Guinea, settled in Tsingoropa, where Bromley established the Church of Nazarene. He used a tiny seed to illustrate his message in his first sermon, showing that a plant would grow and produce fruit when planted. The seed had life in it, yet for many years after his first sermon, William Bromley still had not seen any actual changes in the people’s lives in Tsingoropa.

Bromley fasted and prayed and asked God if he should move to another place, yet God confirmed his calling, and in his seventh year of ministry, the seeds began to bear fruit (Arrows of the Almighty – Story of William Bromley, pg 45).

Today, that seed has borne great fruit, with many saved and an increasing number of Nazarenes throughout Jimi. In honor of the first missionary who served, died, and was buried there, the Church of Nazarene in Jimi is named the Bromley District and headquartered in Tsingoropa.

“We could not have done this without God,” said Bromely District Superintendent Peter Kui. “He gets all the glory and praise! My immediate family members – my wife and children — have been very supportive. My District Advisory Board members, pioneer pastors, the Nazarene church members and family outside of Bromley District, Nazarene Health Ministries, and the Melanesia South Pacific Field office have helped in prayer and generous support in my leadership. I also thank Chief Moun Armar and the wonderful community in Tsingoropa, Middle Jimi Valley. The Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority and Jiwaka Provincial Education Board, we would not have done this without your partnership and tremendous assistance. God bless you all!”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

MVNU appoints new Chief Development Officer

dlsperry94 — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:07:57 +0000

MVNU appoints new Chief Development Officer

dlsperry94 Mon, 09/16/2024 - 22:07

Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Carson Castleman announced the appointment of Brad Kochis as the new chief development officer for the Office of University Advancement. He has previously served the university as the executive director of Alumni Relations and Advancement before taking his current role as the superintendent of the North Carolina District Church of the Nazarene.

“Kochis will be a wonderful addition to the MVNU family, having served the Church for the past 25 years in various roles and most recently as D.S.,” Castleman said. “His skills will be instrumental in engaging the MVNU constituents and establishing an Advancement Office that honors our past while paving the way for a bright future.”

Kochis is an ordained elder with over 27 years of ministry experience that includes service as a youth pastor in churches including Clearfork Alliance Church, Bellville, Ohio; Ashland Plaza Church of the Nazarene, Ashland, Kentucky; Ironton First Church of the Nazarene, Ironton, Ohio; and Gracepoint Church of the Nazarene in Loganville, Georgia.

In 2003, Kochis and his family moved to Ohio to plant a church with the South Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene, where he served as lead pastor at The Refinery Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio.

The newly created CDO position includes overseeing all donor-related programs and fundraising activities for the university as well as engaging with individual donors, churches, and foundations to support MVNU’s domestic and global ministries. Kochis will also manage a portfolio of significant donors, align their interests with MVNU’s needs, and identify potential new donors.

“MVNU has played a significant role in my life since the earliest days of my faith,” Kochis said. “I’m excited to return and join Castleman and the entire MVNU community in advancing God’s mission through the university.”

Kochis is married to his wife, Melissa, whom he met while studying at MVNU. The couple has two adult children, Nathan and Rachel (Zane) Risser.

Kochis will join MVNU 15 October 2024.

A Year of Great Strides in Nazarene Disability Ministry Resourcing

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:12:04 +0000

A Year of Great Strides in Nazarene Disability Ministry Resourcing

I can hardly get my mind wrapped around the fact that it is already September! It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I had a conversation with Scott Rainey about disability ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. God has been so good during this first year. We have made some great strides in making disability ministry resources more accessible to the local church.

Website: We officially launched the Adapted Discipleship Library website in August. If you have not seen or heard about this resource, I will share information in this article about these resources. I will also share the link to the website so you can access the materials directly. There are four sources of tools for equipping the local church for disability ministry found on the Adapted Discipleship Library (training videos, social narratives, classroom tools, and adapted Bible story videos).

Did I mention access to the library is completely free!

Training Videos: This section of the library is focused on providing training to your local church leaders and volunteers. We realize that we don’t know what we don’t know. So the team at Wonderful Works Ministry has put together training videos to help our local churches gain a better context and understanding of disability ministry. These videos cover a wide range of topics and scenarios. There are also videos for recruiting volunteers and how to set your church up for successful ministry. These videos are designed to be short and engaging to provide the local church resources/training needed to be successful in disability ministry.

Social Narratives: This section of the library provides a multitude of social narratives (also referred to as social stories). These narratives are designed to teach individuals about specific situations that occur in the church setting. The narratives will walk through what commonly happens in a specific scenario, behaviors or emotions that are commonly felt in these situations, and proper ways to behave or interact in the scenario. The stories are told from the student’s point of view.

Classroom Tools: This section provides resources such as visual schedules, first/then boards, additional visual aids, and more.

Adapted Bible Story Videos: The Wonderful Works team has created short Bible story videos. These videos use universal design, a process of creating products that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. In short, these universal design videos are helpful for every student but are critical for the success of students with disabilities. The videos are animated, brief, and use multi-sensory storytelling and interactive learning. Included with the videos are adapted discussion questions. These discussion guides come in two levels, one for verbal and one for non-verbal students.

How To: You will also find “How To” or instructional videos in the Adapted Discipleship Library to guide you in the use of the resources that are available.

Check the link to the Adapted Discipleship Library: https://library.wonderfulworksministry.org/

Thank you for praying for Disability Ministry in the Church of the Nazarene! Contact me at rnelson@nazarene.org

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 21:12

Rev. Ryan Nelson

Disability Ministry Coordinator, Church of the Nazarene

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Disability Ministry

Second Quarter Certificate of Lay Ministry

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 20:42:32 +0000

Second Quarter Certificate of Lay Ministry

DiscipleshipPlace.org would like to congratulate the following individuals for being approved by their pastor and local church board to receive the certificate of lay ministry. Upon approval, they will complete the Lay Ministry Courses.

Alaska District

Marvin Kruger of Chapel of the Cross Church of the Nazarene.

Anaheim District

Daniel Milstead of Guidestone Church of the Nazarene.

Central California District

Martin Gonzales of Caruthers Church of the Nazarene.

East Tennessee District

Roland Fanning of Lebanon First Church of the Nazarene.

Georgia District

Anthony Askew of Augusta First Church of the Nazarene.

Ettienna Butler of Augusta First Church of the Nazarene.

Indianapolis District

Randall L. Rayer of Southport Church of the Nazarene.

Kansas City District

Jacqueline Morales of New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Maine District

George Arnold of Fairfield Church of the Nazarene.

Mid-Atlantic District

Elizabeth Wright of New Beginning Church of the Nazarene.

Missouri District

Jason Stevens of Harvester Church of the Nazarene.

North/East Texas District

Nicole Harbison of Longview First Church of the Nazarene.

Northwest Indiana District

Don Carlson of Risen Community Church of the Nazarene.

Billie Hicks of Crawfordsville Church of the Nazarene.

Northwestern Illinois District

A Michelle Farris of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

Cheryl Sherwood of Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

Pittsburgh District

Jonathan Stephen Brown of Pittsburg Lincoln Place Church of the Nazarene.

Denise Parker of Pittsburg Lincoln Place Church of the Nazarene.

Judy Ann Stump of Pittsburg Lincoln Place Church of the Nazarene.

Christie Sheffer of Uniontown Church of the Nazarene.

Prairie Lakes District

Guy R Currier of Together Place Church of the Nazarene.

RSA Free State District

Lefa Mapeshoane of Phahameng Church of the Nazarene.

South Texas District

Shawn Dorman of Livingston First Church of the Nazarene.

Troy Mixon of Livingston First Church of the Nazarene.

South Central[ST1] Ohio District

Linda Dudley of Columbus Whitehall Church of the Nazarene.

Southwest Indiana District

Valencia Caballero, Marlen C of Shalom Hispanic Church of the Nazarene.

Ronny J. Morante of Shalom Hispanic Church of the Nazarene.

Southern Florida District

Robin Campbell of Fort Pierce First Church of the Nazarene.

West Texas District

Barb Pence of Abernathy First Church of the Nazarene.

We would also like to congratulate those who have completed the following courses.*

Anaheim District

Kathy Whittall of Crossroads Family Church of the Nazarene completed Sunday School President.

Canada Central District

Cindy Stavropoulos of Toronto Rosewood Church of the Nazarene completed Youth Ministry.

East Tennessee District

Randall Morton of Lenoir City Church of the Nazarene completed Gospel of John, Part 1, Gospel of John, Part 2, Gospel of Luke, and Gospel of Matthew.

Illinois District

Jenn Stuck of Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene completed Youth Ministry.

Mid-Atlantic District

Elizabeth Wright of New Beginning Church of the Nazarene completed Mental Health in Discipling Communities.

Metro New York District

Ruth Howard of Fellowship of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene completed How to Study the Bible.

Shirley Keller of Fellowship of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene completed How to Study the Bible, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, and Spark: Being and Making Disciples in Small Groups.

Non-Nazarene District

Eddie Guerra completed Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World and Exploring John Wesley’s Theology.

North/East Texas District

Chris Foley of Lonestar Cowboy Church of Navarro County Church of the Nazarene completed Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World.

Mike Fields of Lonestar Cowboy Church of Navarro County Church of the Nazarene completed Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World.

Philadelphia District

Janet Howard of Riverview Christian Church of the Nazarene completed Adult Ministries.

Philippines Metropolitan Luzon District

Francis Baligad of Angeles City First Church of the Nazarene completed How to Study the Bible.

RSA Southeastern District

Khulekani Nkabinde of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene completed Mental Health in Discipling Communities.

Wisconsin District

Robin Helman of Spooner Church of the Nazarene completed Exploring John Wesley’s Theology and Exploring Nazarene History and Polity.

*Please note the above individuals are being recognized because they contacted NDI to request a certificate of completion. However, we are unable to recognize many individuals who complete courses but do not contact us to let us know of their progress.

[ST1] South-Central/South Central?

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 20:42

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Certificate of Lay Ministry

Discipleship a Journey of Discovery and Adventure!

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:36:52 +0000

Discipleship a Journey of Discovery and Adventure!

A journey of grace is on everybody's lips. These words have made me think about my own journey of discipleship. Firstly, my thoughts took me to the journey that the Emmaus disciples had with Jesus in Luke 24. The words that stood out for me are in Luke 24:32 (MSG): “Back and forth they talked. ‘Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?’”

This has been my experience of being discipled and discipling those who are on the journey with me. My words to people often are that we are on this journey together allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us and the community around us, focused on the teaching of Scripture and following in the footprints that Jesus left for us.

Scripture should always be at the centre of discipleship, and we should experience the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us.

Secondly, Isaiah 61 has been the scripture that has kept me on track in my journey, keeping me accountable to the calling that God has placed on my life, especially verses 1-3 (NIV):

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.

Thirdly, in this journey, I want to focus on how God has equipped me for ministry. God equipped me through ministries that have already been established. I did not have to reinvent the wheel! He prepared the good works for me, and I gladly share two ministries that have impacted me the most.

In 1998, my husband and I did the Alpha course, which is an evangelical tool that can be used to reach out to people in your community by sharing a plate of food and fellowship, and watching a 20-minute discussion on the building blocks of Christian faith. Alpha is a tool that we still use to introduce people to the Christian faith through building relationships.

In 2003, a friend was incarcerated, and I needed a tool to reach out to him and his family. Kairos Prison Ministries International was the tool that crossed my path, and together with a group of friends, we started reaching out to those in prison.

I share these two tools from my discipleship "tool box," which includes many more. God has been faithful in equipping me for ministry, and there are no favorites in his kingdom. I know he wants to do the same for you as a disciple.

As a disciple, look out for what God has already prepared in your journey of grace; keep walking, actively making disciples as commissioned in Mathew 28:19-20.

Rev. Susan Booth serves as the NDI representative on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene. Susan currently serves as the NDI coordinator on the Africa South Field, which includes 26 districts and five countries.

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 19:36

Rev. Susan Booth

NDI representative to the General Board

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Discipleship Journey of Discovery and Adventure

Discipleship at Home

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:23:48 +0000

Discipleship at Home

Just before Christ ascended into heaven, he instructed his disciples to “go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching . . .” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV). The Great Commission is for all believers to follow, especially in their homes, so we proclaimed the good news and lived authentically as a beacon of light for all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Living the Christian life

I recall an Easter season in our home about 17 years ago. My husband had begun his coursework toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Our boys were about 10 and 12 years old and involved in many activities. In addition to teaching full-time, I had the privilege of transporting the boys to practices, games, church, and other activities daily, so they spent many hours riding with us in the car. I was actively participating in our church’s Easter cantata, and the practice music was playing in the car as we traveled. Frequently, I peeked into the backseat to see my boys singing along or making fun of the music, depending upon their moods, and they knew the songs better than I did.

Easter Sunday arrived, so everyone was awake early. My husband was working for the fire department and readied himself while the boys and I put on our Sunday bests to go to church. After reminding them to be on their best behavior for both morning services, I joined the choir for practice. At the service, the music pastor introduced the choir with a little speech about the song and its title. I heard my older son shout out, “I knew they would sing that one!” Everyone who heard him chuckled, and as we sang “Resurrection Day.” I saw both my boys singing along with the choir, which blessed me.

An all-or-nothing decision

When my husband and I accepted the Lord into our lives, it was an all-or-nothing decision, and our boys were integral in that process. Even when we experienced hardship on many fronts, it was imperative for us to stick together with the Lord leading us. After asking my older son about his perspective of growing up in a home that transitioned from worldly living to holy living, he recalled the following:

“I remember dad sitting us down and telling us that he had a calling to preach, and we were to be all in as a family. We went to a church where they knew about our former ungodly lives, and we were going to let God be the One to bring us through everything. He told us that church people would need forgiveness and grace, too, and that these people may hurt our feelings or offend us at some point.”

Presently, my husband and older son are ordained elders in the Church of the Nazarene. I will interview for ordination this year, and our family considers it a priority to follow Jesus! Glory to his name!

Rev. Lindsay Parson lives in Nevada, Texas. She and her husband pastor together at the Lone Star Cowboy Church in Nevada, Texas. She has been a science teacher in both the public and private sector. She will be ordained this year. You may contact Lindsay at lsccpastorlindsay@gmail.com.

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 19:23

Lindsay Parson

NEW Homeschool Representative

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Discipleship at Home

Little Ones Can Know, Love, and Serve Jesus

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:37:19 +0000

Little Ones Can Know, Love, and Serve Jesus

We often hear that children under the age of 6 do not have the spiritual capability to really know and have a “real” understanding of God’s love. This refers to children who are in classes in church and preschool where they are not fully exposed or really encouraged to develop spiritually. For 20 years, I had the privilege to serve as a preschool teacher and a preschool director and for 15 years, I served as the Arizona District camp meeting leader for nursery through kindergarten ministry. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand preschool children growing up with a desire to know, love, and serve the Lord. Not only did they personally come to love Jesus but they were instrumental in inspiring other children and adults to choose Jesus.

Meet a few preschool children who led families and others to Jesus.

Meet Maddie.

Maddie’s mother came to tour the preschool. She was pleased with what she saw. Then she said, “What time is Bible class? I would like to enroll my daughter. I am an atheist, and I am not married to her dad. Is that okay with you? Also, I would like to bring her to school after Bible class or pick her up before Bible class.”

My immediate answer to her first question was, “Bible is integrated throughout the day. I really cannot say it occurs at any specific time.” To the second question, I responded, “All children and families are welcome.”

She thought about this for a few minutes, and then she responded, “I will enroll her and see how it goes.”

Maddie was enrolled for three years. Maddie loved Jesus! She learned numbers and letters and sang with gusto, Jesus Loves Me! During this time, her mom saw love for Jesus in the actions of the children and through the love of the teachers. She came to church and accepted Jesus as her Savior. Maddie and her mom’s lives were changed forever!

Meet Athena.

Athena’s family was from Vietnam, and they were very devoted followers of another religion. Athena attended preschool from age 2 through kindergarten. At the end of pre-kindergarten, her parents planned to have her attend public school kindergarten. Athena told her parents her school had kindergarten, and she wanted to go to her school’s kindergarten. They re-enrolled Athena for kindergarten. During Christmas break, the family flew to Vietnam. Her parents shared how their daughter sang Christmas songs to her family there, songs about Jesus. During that year, Athena proclaimed her love for Jesus in her heart.

Meet camp meeting preschoolers.

Many young children came to camp meeting with their parents and grandparents. Some people [ST1] might have thought the sessions for preschoolers were to babysit the children, so they could enjoy child-free time during the services or take advantage of the 1-2 hours of free time. We taught the preschoolers about Jesus, and many of the children asked Jesus into their hearts. Every year, they came with anticipation to sing and listen to stories about God’s love. In later years, some of them became teen helpers. Others are now pastors, children’s pastors, strong lay leaders, and parents who are bringing up their children to know, love, and serve the Lord.

Meet Peter.

Peter grew up in church and attended his church’s preschool. His parents shared that at the tender age of three, Peter asked Jesus to come into his heart.

“At the end of another trying day, daddy had a talk with our son. He explained how it is not okay to be disobedient and how it is important to listen and obey your parents. Peter told his daddy he wanted to pray for Jesus to help him [ST2] .”

The parent was surprised when his little son wanted to pray and ask Jesus to forgive him. Yes, Peter was incredibly young, and this was all from a three-year-old’s understanding. The next morning, Peter said he did not want to drink milk because it would get Jesus wet. He would not eat a cookie because it might hit Jesus on the head and give him a headache.

We laugh at the young child’s response. But this child at age 4 told his mom that when he grew up Jesus wanted him to be a missionary. At 21 years of age, he told his parents God had called him to be a missionary. The parents were not surprised! Peter did become a missionary and led many groups to build churches in Southeast Asia. Wonder where this started? A young boy learned about the love of Jesus in a Christian preschool.

Many young children have come to know, love, and serve Jesus because a caring church reached out to young children through a preschool ministry. When a church has a preschool with caring teachers who are called not only to tell children about God’s love but also apply the teachings of Jesus to a young child’s life, we will witness children who grow up wanting to know, love, and serve the Lord all their lives.

Jan Wilton lives in Lancaster, Texas. She has taught in many educational settings—public school, Christian school, preschool, and homeschool. Her most recent position has been as an instructional tutor for Grades 4-6 in a charter school. You may contact Jan at revjan2008@gmail.com.

[ST1] Some of the parents and grandparents?

[ST2]Does the quote end here?

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 18:37

Rev. Jan Wilton

NEW Preschool Representative

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