Church of the Nazarene

Free fitness classes bring community into Missouri church

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:01:22 +0000

Free fitness classes bring community into Missouri church

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 21:01

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

Pastor Denise Anderson started Holy Barre classes at Ferguson Church of the Nazarene last year due to her passion for holistic ministry. She initially wanted to get women from the church involved, but an open invitation for community members to participate free of cost has brought in women who are not involved with the church.
Denise pastors at the Ferguson church alongside her husband, Chad. After arriving as pastor in November, Denise learned about barre classes, which combine Pilates, yoga, and ballet, from a parishioner.

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

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

The church currently offers two weekly classes, one in the morning and one at night. Due to the demand for the evening class, they plan to offer back-to-back evening classes.

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

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

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

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

Many women from the congregation have become regular attendees, and the class has created a place for discipleship and fellowship. Denise noted that many community members have also started attending regularly.
A woman who lives across the street from the church called herself a “heathen” when talking with Denise at her first class. As the woman continued to attend Holy Barre, she became more comfortable during closing prayer and discussion. Eventually, she shared that her husband had cancer.
“She asked if I could pray for him, and she was tearful while I was praying,” Denise said.

That interaction exemplifies what Denise and Ferguson Church of the Nazarene hope to do: connect with community members who are searching for Jesus and a place to belong. Using exercise to accomplish that goal was a no-brainer for Denise.
“I’m exercising every day anyway,” Denise said. “Why not do it with people and have it be an opportunity for them to come into the church?”

Venezuela church opens children's playground

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:53:18 +0000

Venezuela church opens children's playground

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 20:53

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Meet Vanuatu's first native district superintendent

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:18:26 +0000

Meet Vanuatu's first native district superintendent

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 20:18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Ukraine ministers experience renewal

dlsperry94 — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:27:12 +0000

Ukraine ministers experience renewal

dlsperry94 Tue, 06/18/2024 - 20:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

In Memoriam: 14 June 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:20:15 +0000

In Memoriam: 14 June 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/13/2024 - 22:20

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 10-14 June 2024.

Daniel Donaldson, 78, of Livingston, Texas, passed away 28 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Chearie Donaldson.

Ronald Frye, 78, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away 26 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Donna Frye.

Laverne Gates, 92, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away 28 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Washington and Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennette Gates, who passed away in 2019.
Sharon Hill, 82, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away 5 June 2024. She was the widow of James Hill, a retired minister who served in Arkansas. James passed away in 2023.

Nancy Jackson, 90, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away 5 June 2024. She was the wife of William Jackson, a retired minister who served in Alabama and Tennessee.

Jan McNaught, 81, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 3 June 2024. She was the wife of Ernest McNaught, a retired minister who served in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New York, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington.

Lummy Newberry, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away 11 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, who passed away in 2016.

Shelby Salyer, 83, of West Van Lear, Kentucky, passed away 24 May 2024. She was the widow of John Salyer, a retired minister who served in Kentucky and Indiana. John passed away in 2016.

Carolyn Savell, 67, of Juliaetta, Idaho, passed away 9 June 2024. She was the pastor of Juliaetta Church of the Nazarene, serving there since 2016. She served previously in Montana and Mississippi. She is survived by her husband, George Savell.

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

Remembering John Denney

dlsperry94 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:59:18 +0000

Remembering John Denney

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/13/2024 - 19:59

John Denney, 76, of Springville, California, passed away 5 June 2024. He was a retired district superintendent who led the Southern California District from 2001 to 2014. He served as a minister in California, Idaho, and Oregon.

John Lee Denney was born on 13 June 1948 in Nampa, Idaho, to Roland “Eugene” Denney and Marion (Penn) Denney. In 1969, John met the love of his life, Sheree Miller, and the two were married in 1970. John and Sheree were married for 53 years and had two children, Tiffany and Justin.

John graduated from Northwest Nazarene College (now University) in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in pre-seminary studies. He went on to study at the Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he served as student body president and earned a master’s degree in divinity in 1974.

John accepted his first pastorate in Middleton, Idaho, at the Middleton Church of the Nazarene in 1975. He pastored in Middleton from 1975 to 1978, where he also served as district Nazarene Youth International (NYI) president and representative to the general NYI council for the Northwest region.

From 1978 to 1983 John served on the staff of the global NYI office as senior high director, senior high Sunday school curriculum editor, and department editorial director. During this time, he designed and produced the new Word/Action Sunday School curriculum for the Nazarene Publishing House (now The Foundry Publishing).

After a stint at the Nazarene Headquarters, John was called to pastor Rose City Church of the Nazarene in Portland, Oregon, in 1983. During this time, he also served on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Nazarene College.

In 1988, the Denneys moved to Porterville, California, where John pastored Porterville Church of the Nazarene until December 2000. While pastoring at “Port Naz,” John served on the District Advisory Board for the Central California District and as chaplain for the Porterville Police Department.

In January 2001, John was elected superintendent of the Southern California District. During this time, John spent 12 years on the Board of Trustees for Point Loma Nazarene University, four years as a member of the Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, and eight years serving as the Southwest Zone facilitator over 11 districts and representing this area on the USA/Canada Mission Strategy Committees.

John retired from the superintendency in 2014 and moved back to the Porterville area. He continued to serve in the local Nazarene community as an interim pastor, including Bakersfield Olive Knolls, Bakersfield Ridgeview, and Tulare Wayside Nazarene churches, respectively.

John loved to play golf, ski, spend time with his grandkids, work out at his local gym, play his trumpet in church, and take scenic drives. He was the ultimate “people person” and never missed an opportunity to interact with the people that crossed his path. John loved sharing the gospel with the people he came into contact with and desired that everyone within his reach know Jesus loves them.

He is survived by his wife, Sheree (Miller) Denney; daughter, Tiffany Lightfoot; son, Justin Denney; five grandchildren; brothers, Dan, Dave, and Daryle Denney; and his sister, Sue White.

A celebration of life service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 15 June, at Porterville Church of the Nazarene, 2005 W Olive Ave, Porterville, CA, 93257.

Missions team makes impact on the Amazon

dlsperry94 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:03:58 +0000

Missions team makes impact on the Amazon

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/13/2024 - 14:03

The Church of the Nazarene in Manaus in the Amazon District of Brazil welcomed the LoveWorks project from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California.

Every year, Point Loma Nazarene sends its college students worldwide to serve in various regions of the Church of the Nazarene for a time of transcultural and missionary experience. Eleven students arrived in Brazil to learn about the work of the Church of the Nazarene in the Amazon rainforest while serving in different ways. For 12 days, the young people were on board the Jesus the Hope II boat, visiting the people of the Amazon.

During the trip, the team assisted with sports evangelism, evangelism in schools, painting of church buildings, small groups for young people, trips to Rio Negro to support riverside and indigenous communities, visits to a Venezuelan refugee shelter, visits to the church of Haitian refugees, a trip to the Madeira River for evangelism, VBS, and construction of a prayer shelter for the riverside people.

The trip was supported by EMA (School of Missions for Adolescents) in which a young woman from Brazil joined the group and helped with translation. Isabella Kelly, a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Recreio in Rio de Janeiro, worked on the daily translation and helped these young people adapt to Brazilian culture. At the end of the trip, LoveWorks left the chapel open for the riverside people to worship the Lord.

Missionary and pastor Igor Vale said that his church in Rio de Janeiro received LoveWorks teams when he was a child. Vale never imagined that 30 years later, he would help lead a LoveWorks team in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

Deron Matson and Jamie Viken were the team's two coordinators. Matson had this to say about the team's time on the Amazon:

The Church of the Nazarene of Manaus and Pastor Igor were terrific hosts, providing us with ministerial preparation and cross-cultural training.

We appreciate the invitation to join them in their mission to witness God's love in Manaus and beyond. It was beautiful to see God at work in our time there. A church is a beacon of hope in the community. We were welcomed into schools to share the love of Christ and give hope.

Seeing how the ministry moves forward with the Jesus the Hope II boat was fascinating. It allows you to travel to remote areas uniquely. When we read about the Lord of the Harvest in Matthew 9, passing through all the towns and villages, we get a new view of what could have been necessary for him to do this.

Boating is a beautiful way to travel to places where others may ignore the call to go, teach, preach, pray for healing, and show compassion.

The local volleyball court has become a sacred space and a sanctuary where the faithful share with the community about the transformation that can occur in a heart surrendered to God. A young man stepped forward to receive Christ. A young American woman's call to serve in medical missions was confirmed as a result of the missions trip. Lives are forever changed because of the obedience of God's servants who are called to share their faith.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Mobile education program raising pastors, leaders on Southeast Asia Field

dlsperry94 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 22:04:51 +0000

Mobile education program raising pastors, leaders on Southeast Asia Field

dlsperry94 Wed, 06/12/2024 - 22:04

Chapman International College endeavors to raise disciples in Southeast Asia to be the leaders and ministers of the churches in their respective places, including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, as well as minority groups therein.

In 2017, the college started the Mobile Education Program, dubbed “Bible College in your hand,” to provide accessible ministerial preparation to train pastors and lay leaders where they are. MEP has been the answer to the leaders’ prayers for the multiplication of local ministers, enabling the college to overcome geographical barriers and a lack of available teachers.

The MEP follows a simple but organized process for preparing the Course of Study material: translate, video record/edit, and upload. By recording all the lectures of the 24 Course of Study (COS) into video clips, the lectures can be used anytime, anywhere for the academic programs both for lay and ministerial students, Nazarenes and non-Nazarenes, in the Southeast Asia Field and beyond. The digital format allows prospective students to study without leaving their vocational environment – growing rice in the fields or working in the factories.

There are two ways to access the digital content. The first is through an online website (onlinecic.net). It is an asynchronous program of the Course of Study. Through this, 10 Myanmar pastors finished their Diploma of Ministry while they were in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, last July 2022. Pastor Ray McCrary, the senior pastor of the Southside Church of the Nazarene, facilitated and hosted the program.

The second method is through the use of tablets. The same videos and clips of lectures are saved on tablets via SD cards. This method is specially designed to assist the learning and training of disciples in Creative Access Areas, where literacy is low and internet access is a challenge. Translated handbooks and other ministry materials are also made available on the SD cards.

In April, 13 disciples from CAA10 South crossed the Thailand border to participate in their first ministerial Course of Study class. The hunger and thirst for learning became clear. One disciple testified, “Studying is valuable, especially God’s Word. I prayed for many years but never had the opportunity to study. Thank God he provided the way through CIC.”

Each disciple received a tablet during the training. For the next hour, they were oriented to the MEP goal, the tablet use, and the security and protection they would receive because they lived in a CAA. It was clear that the tablet would further assist and reinforce what they learned during the week.

The Southeast Asia Field envisions a remarkable multiplication of Christlike disciple makers that make disciples in CAA10. The tablet project is also planned for the ministry training in CAA10 North and CAA Central. Through these tablets, CIC can raise Nazarene ministers and lay leaders who will lead the disciple-making movement in CAA10.

This project and its outcomes will be possible thanks to the Nampa Ministry Partnership.

France District holds family camp for first time since COVID-19

dlsperry94 — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:15:52 +0000

France District holds family camp for first time since COVID-19

dlsperry94 Wed, 06/12/2024 - 21:15

In the small town of Saint Prix, just 40 km north of Paris, the France District held its first family camp since the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 130 people gathered under the theme One Church, One Family and Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16. The camp focused on being called to unity amidst the diversity of the Body of Christ and all of its giftedness.

Months of preparation, teamwork, Zoom calls, and prayer went into this anticipated three-day event. The retreat center was fully booked, and there were participants of all ages, including 50 children and youth representing many of the churches in the district.

Pastor Todd Keller and Pastor Hannah Beers-Borger joined as guest speakers from College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, USA. In the opening service, Keller reminded the participants that all are part of the Body of Christ, and the Body of Christ is one. He reflected on what it means to be a church body that is connected, capable, crucial, and courageous. These words weaved their way throughout the weekend, reinforcing the theme.

The days were full: meals together, various age-specific workshops, lively joint worship services, and evening games. A highlight was the last evening when Pastor Ben-Oni Valentin hosted a talent show for anyone who wanted to participate. Some shared in dance, three youths wrote and composed songs, a women’s choir group serenaded the participants with hymns in Creole, a saxophonist played a jazz solo, and even the kids participated with a riddle for the leaders to solve.

Brian Ketchum, a member of the planning team, explained the purpose of the talent show.

“We wanted the talent show to allow all those that didn’t feel like they had something to contribute to the life of the church to be allowed to share the gifts that God had given them and be celebrated for who they are, a beautiful and valued member of the church/family.”

District Superintendent Joseph Toguyera shared about the family camp, saying, “The setting, the atmosphere, the weather, the organization, the speakers, the children, the young people, and the adults all found their place in this family. Everything turned out as I had hoped...Praise be to God.”

It was indeed a blessed time together, and everyone left feeling restored and enthusiastic about God's plans for the Church of the Nazarene in France.

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

Dustin Ledford elected superintendent of Nebraska District

dlsperry94 — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:15:36 +0000

Dustin Ledford elected superintendent of Nebraska District

dlsperry94 Tue, 06/11/2024 - 22:15

Dustin Ledford was elected superintendent of the Nebraska District on 6 June 2024. Ledford currently serves as the pastor of Carthage First Church of the Nazarene in Missouri.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to partner with the pastors and churches of Nebraska,” Ledford said. “I am excited to join Jesus on his mission to seek and save the lost.”

Dustin will begin his new assignment 6 July 2024. He will replace Daniel Cole, who has served as superintendent of the Nebraska District since 2011.

Ledford is a MidAmerica Nazarene University alumnus, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1992. He has ministered on the Joplin District since.
He served on staff at Carthage First Church of the Nazarene from 1992 to 1995 and then at Parsons Church of the Nazarene in Kansas from 1995 to 2000. In 2000, he began pastoring at Ava Highway Church of the Nazarene until 2006, when he returned to Carthage First as lead pastor.

Dustin and his wife, Kara, have two adult children and currently reside in Carthage, Missouri.