Church of the Nazarene

Moving Ministers: November 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:41:02 +0000

Moving Ministers: November 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 12/06/2024 - 17:41

Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.

Roles included in the latest report are pastor, student, and pastoral service. Entries were received in November 2024

To view the November report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

In Memoriam: 6 December 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:38:13 +0000

In Memoriam: 6 December 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 12/06/2024 - 16:38

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 25 November - 6 December 2024.

Mary Planck, 85, of Seymour, Tennessee, passed away 26 November 2024. She was the widow of William Planck, a retired minister who served in Colorado, and Michigan. William passed away in 2023.

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

Venezuela Nazarenes bring hope to local hospital

dlsperry94 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:11:31 +0000

Venezuela Nazarenes bring hope to local hospital

dlsperry94 Fri, 12/06/2024 - 16:11

The “El Shaday” Iglesia del Nazareno, located in Acarigua, in Portuguesa, Venezuela, is practicing compassion with purpose and passionate evangelism.

Once a month, church members go to the Central Hospital of Acarigua, “Jesús María Cazal Ramos,” to bring hope and a sign of love to patients and their families. During these visits, the church members distribute up to 400 arepas to the families of the patients, the medical staff, and the hospital nurses.

This initiative aims to alleviate hunger and comfort those going through challenging situations in the hospital environment. But the action is not limited to delivering food.

The team also takes the opportunity to worship God with praises and share a message of hope and salvation with those present. In addition, a group of church members are in charge of collecting prayer requests from the people who they encounter at the hostpital. In the end, prayers are said for the needs of each person and the speedy recovery of the hospitalized patients.

Yessenia de Mendoza, who is part of the visitation team shared: “It is a beautiful work that we do, and it is gratifying to see how, the moment we arrive, people in need line up to receive an arepita.”

Isbely Sereno, the local coordinator of the church’s compassionate ministries, shared her experience.

“I thank God because he controls everything,” Sereno said. “What impacted me the most was when, during prayer, the relatives of patients would come asking us to pray for their loved ones who were hospitalized. We do this believing that God is the one who can free us from all illness and do great wonders, trusting first in him.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Guetamala trainings spark evangelism, church planting

dlsperry94 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:46:01 +0000

Guetamala trainings spark evangelism, church planting

dlsperry94 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 19:46

From November 1 to 12, a team from the Mesoamerica Region evangelism ministry conducted a training tour in Guatemala to strengthen and expand evangelism and church planting efforts.

During this period, visits were made to 10 districts in the country, providing training to pastors and local leaders in evangelistic skills and the vision of church planting. In each district, between 30 and 50 people participated in the training. The participants were motivated to have and promote a unified vision and strengthen their commitment to the mission of the Church of the Nazarene to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

Wilfredo Pec, superintendent of the Distrito Atlántico Norte, expressed his enthusiasm for the training, which came at a crucial time for the newly formed district.

“It was a joy for our district to receive this training,” Pec said. “We are very grateful to God and to the regional evangelism ministry for taking the time to teach us.”

The regional evangelism team benefited from the collaboration of Oscar Tista, a renowned church planter, who shared his experience and knowledge with the participants. The combination of experience and church planting strategy was a key factor in the success of the tour.

“We celebrate that more than 125 people have responded to the call to plant cells, youth friendship groups, and new churches,” said Jerson Chupina, a member of the regional evangelism team. “We ask everyone to join in prayer for the districts that have accepted this challenge, for their superintendents, pastors, and local leaders.”

Milton Gay, regional evangelism coordinator, stressed that the growth of the Church of the Nazarene in the Mesoamerica Region depends on individuals’ commitment to an evangelistic vision and willingness to bring the message of Christ to their communities. The evangelism ministry, in collaboration with the JESUS film ministry, has developed a strategy for multiplying leaders with a focus on creating new pastors, leaders, and church planters.

“With this tour, we have completed a cycle of preparation, challenge, and vision for the multiplication of new churches,” Gay said. “It has been a blessing to see how the churches received the strategy with such enthusiasm. Both the pastors and district leaders, as well as the regional evangelism team, have committed to work together to achieve the objectives we have set. We thank God for this time and we trust that this will be the model for all the fields in Mesoamerica.”

Leaders hope the impact of this training tour will expand beyond the visits to the districts.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region.

Cristian Yabuki installed as superintendent of Portugal District

dlsperry94 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:43:36 +0000

Cristian Yabuki installed as superintendent of Portugal District

dlsperry94 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 19:43

Cristian Yabuki was installed as the new superintendent for the Portugal District at an ordination service on 8 November 2024. Yabuki was installed by General Superintendent Carla Sunberg.

Yabuki has served in Portugal since December 2017 as pastor at the Alcabideche Church of the Nazarene in Cascais.

“Assuming this new role as district superintendent comes with great responsibility,” Yabuki said. “I trust God will lead every step of the way for this district to live a great revival.”

Pastor “Cris” came from a Christian family and learned to love God from an early age, surrendering to Jesus in his teens. He started serving at the Church of the Nazarene in the city of Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, in April 1995, and there he began his first steps, serving with the local youth and as a worship minister. He received his pastoral call in 1999 and began studies at Seminario Teológico Nazareno do Brasil.

Yabuki began pastoral ministry in 2003 as an assistant pastor at the Central Church of the Nazarene in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil. In 2006, he and his wife, Camila, had their first experience outside Brazil, spending a year and a half in Japan.

At the end of 2007, they returned to Brazil, where Cris served as an assistant pastor at the Central Church of the Nazarene in Piracicaba, São Paulo, and then, still in Piracicaba, as pastor for nine years.

In March of 2015, Cris was ordained. Two years later, he spent a few months with his family in Bergamo, Italy, where he and his family had their first missionary experience outside Brazil.

After arriving in Portugal, Cris became district Nazarene Youth International president in November 2018 and served with the youth for six years until he left the role to become district superintendent.

Cris and Camila have two daughters.

Fiji District celebrates graduation, ordination at District Assembly

dlsperry94 — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:29:10 +0000

Fiji District celebrates graduation, ordination at District Assembly

dlsperry94 Wed, 12/04/2024 - 19:29

On the weekend of 9-10 November 2024, the Fiji District celebrated its 28th District Assembly, which included a college graduation and ordination. Local pastors and delegates gathered on Saturday morning to discuss, share, and strategize for the future.

“I’m blessed to witness the intentional conversations that we are having for our district and the commitment local leadership are bringing to the direction and vision of our ministry,” said District Superintendent Daniel Latu. “I see the evidence of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our clergy and laity. The future is hopeful and bright for the Fiji District. “

Later that day, South Pacific Nazarene Theological College – Fiji (SPNTC) celebrated the graduation of two students, Aliki Koroi Wakolo and his wife, Daiana Wakolo. Both students graduated with a Certificate in Ministry.

In the same celebration, 13 current students were issued a certificate of acknowledgment for their continued efforts in theological studies. This group of students is the first to be enrolled in the SPNTC diploma program.

On Sunday morning, District Superintendent Daniel Latu, General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker, and Asia-Pacific Regional Director Kafoa Muaror celebrated the ordination of Aliki Koroi Wakolo.

Aliki Wakolo is a bi-vocational minister who heads security at a prominent garment factory. He is the senior pastor of Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Waila and has served in the role for over 13 years. His leadership influence is evident in the lives of those he serves.

Bethel Church is developing new leaders and, in January 2024, in partnership with the district leadership, commissioned its first local missionaries to a pioneer area in Fiji. Among its other achievements, Bethel oversees a thriving Kids Club ministry that has been operating for years.

Wakolo now joins Fiji’s clergy family of 18 men and women.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

With grateful hearts: Thank you for partnering in mission

dlsperry94 — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:25:25 +0000

With grateful hearts: Thank you for partnering in mission

dlsperry94 Mon, 11/25/2024 - 16:25

From the Board of General Superintendents:

As fiscal year 2024 comes to a close, the generosity of individuals and churches like you who choose to partner in mission with the Church of the Nazarene is more apparent than ever before. Your support through the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) is not just a donation—it is an investment in the eternal transformation of lives around the world.

This past year, your 2024 giving for World Evangelism was $38.5 million, surpassing last year's total of $37.2 by $1.3 million—an increase of 3.5%. For this, your global church cannot thank you enough. You are making an eternal impact by your generosity, and lives are being changed.

The World Evangelism Fund is not simply a missions fund. It is the lifeline of the Church of the Nazarene’s mission, enabling the church to bring the hope and love of Christ to every corner of the world. Your World Evangelism giving trains pastors, sends missionaries, builds schools, provides healthcare, and offers compassionate assistance to those in need. The transformative impact of your giving can be seen every day through the stories from around the globe:

In Africa, pastors are being trained to share the gospel in remote, unreached communities, equipping them to disciple new believers and spread God’s kingdom.
In South America, your support helps medical clinics deliver essential healthcare while addressing spiritual needs, offering Christ’s love to the most vulnerable.
In Mesoamerica, local churches are transforming communities through acts of love, providing food, shelter, and spiritual care in times of crisis.
In Asia-Pacific, compassionate ministry teams respond to natural disasters, bringing hope and healing while sharing the love of Christ with those in desperate need.
In Eurasia, your giving spreads the gospel in war-torn areas, where pastors and missionaries serve amid violence and persecution.
In USA/Canada, young adults are being equipped through discipleship programs to lead the next generation in living out their faith and sharing Christ's message.

These inspiring stories are being replicated throughout our world, thanks to your commitment and generosity. The impact of your giving is far-reaching and life-changing. Because of you, people across the world are hearing the gospel, receiving Christ’s love, and experiencing transformation in their lives. You are playing a vital role in fulfilling the church’s mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations.

Yet, even with the increase in giving, the need continues to grow. God’s call to spread the gospel has never been greater, and the World Evangelism Fund remains the lifeblood that fuels our ability to answer God’s call. As our global mission expands, the demands on WEF increase. Right now, World Evangelism giving does not cover everything we do. Full participation is needed from every Nazarene church and every individual who believes in the mission to continue bringing the message of Christ to the world.

Without World Evangelism giving, the work of the church could not go forward. Your continued support is essential to sustaining and growing our mission. Every gift matters, and every dollar you give to World Evangelism helps ensure that the gospel is proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Your continued participation is vital to fulfilling our mission. Together, we can meet the challenges ahead and continue to make a lasting, eternal difference in the lives of those who have yet to experience the love of Christ. Please consider giving today at nazarene.org/wef.

The Board of General Superintendents thank you for being part of this global family of believers. Thank you for standing with us, giving generously, and believing in the power of Christ’s message to change lives. The work of our global church through your gift to World Evangelism is bringing hope, healing, and salvation to a world in need.

--Board of General Superintendents

Celebrating ministry, mission on Western Mediterranean Field

dlsperry94 — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:39:21 +0000

Celebrating ministry, mission on Western Mediterranean Field

dlsperry94 Fri, 11/22/2024 - 15:39

A group of leaders from the Eurasia and USA/Canada regions traveled throughout the Western Mediterranean Field from 4-13 November to see how God is at work through local Nazarene churches in France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain.

The trip, dreamed up by Geoff Kunselman, director of Stewardship Development for the Church of the Nazarene, and led by General Superintendent Carla Sunberg, included local church pastors, missionaries, district superintendents, regional leaders, and those serving in education and publishing.

As the group visited local churches to learn about the contexts and ministries of the congregations, they also held discussions on topics ranging from the challenges of ministry in a post-Christian context to theological education, mentorship, migration, and global partnerships. One of the main themes was a reminder that the Nazarene family is global.

Kristin Burchfiel, a missionary who serves in Portugal, was one of the trip members.

“It was so encouraging to be reminded of our connections to each other and to come together and share about our contexts and learn from one another,” Burchfiel said. “We heard countless stories of God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of local leaders who are persevering in their calls and are seeing lives transformed. In such a diverse group, it was amazing to see how God has gifted each of us and given us passions for different things. I think we get to experience God in more full and complete ways when we come together.”

In addition to the discussions, the group had the opportunity to pray for and encourage pastors in the churches they visited and participate in ordination services in Portugal and Italy.

Diego Lopez, field strategy coordinator for Western Mediterranean, said the trip was a great encouragement to many field pastors and leaders who have, at times, felt disconnected from the global denomination.

“The fact that their stories and achievements were heard and prayed for meant a lot to them,” Lopez said.

Story after story was shared of the miracles God is performing in and through local Nazarene churches throughout these two regions, and it served as a reminder that all Nazarenes are part of the story of God.

One example comes from the France District, where leaders have continued to invest in relationships, even under difficult circumstances. Through intentionality and a return to the basics of theological education and relationship building, the congregations are breathing new life into their contexts.

At a church in Zaragoza, Spain, the pastor shared the transforming work God has done in him personally and in the life of his family and how that has led him to be able to minister uniquely to others in the community who find themselves facing similar challenges.

Overall, attendees felt the trip was an important reminder that God continues to call people to join him in the work he is doing around the world and that individuals are stronger when they partner together.

Michelle Lynam, Eurasia Region communications coordinator, was struck by the diversity of the group, sharing that some of the women had started the Church of the Nazarene in their countries and laid the foundation for theological education to equip pastors and leaders there.

“At points, it was like we were getting a glimpse into the history books from the history makers themselves,” Lynam said. “The wealth of experience and knowledge around the table was both humbling and exciting. The conversations and connections were shaping, hopeful, inspiring, and intentional.”

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

Nazarene Missions Team helps with Typhoon Kristine recovery in the Philippines

dlsperry94 — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:35:21 +0000

Nazarene Missions Team helps with Typhoon Kristine recovery in the Philippines

dlsperry94 Thu, 11/21/2024 - 16:35

In late October, a Nazarene Missions Team from Home Church of the Nazarene in Sparks, Nevada, USA, traveled to Bicol, Philippines, to serve the community.

The team served under the leadership of Philippines Bicol District Superintendent Dan Feleo and in cooperation with the Philippines-Micronesia Field Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Jaime Eniceo.

The team arrived shortly after Typhoon Kristine (internationally known as Trami), which brought widespread flooding to Luzon and parts of the Visayas. However, the Bicol Region was hit the worst. The team provided help and resources to aid flood victims. The local residents were thankful and amazed at the timing of the team’s arrival, just two days after the typhoon, giving credit to the Lord for knowing when and where to send his servants in a time of need.

In addition to packing and distributing relief goods in Legazpi, Donsol, and Naga, the team helped with maintenance and clean-up at local churches. They led a Vacation Bible School for the children at Legazpi Church of the Nazarene. On Sunday morning, the team attended a worship service and fellowship, where their team leader, Mark Butler, shared the Word of God, team members shared their testimonies, and Mama Jean sang a beautiful song.

At the end of their time in the Philippines, the team reflected on their trip with awe and gladness at how the Lord led them throughout the week. Their experiences and the compassion of the Filipino people spiritually renewed and transformed them. They thanked God for his direction during their trip and are already anticipating a return to the Philippines.

The Philippines-Micronesia Field is grateful for the help of the team.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Belize North District workshop inspires leaders to care for children comprehensively

dlsperry94 — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:27:33 +0000

Belize North District workshop inspires leaders to care for children comprehensively

dlsperry94 Thu, 11/21/2024 - 16:27

In late October 2024, the Mopán Maya Iglesia del Nazareno, located in Belmopan, Belize, was the site of an impactful workshop titled “Holistic Care Among Children and How to Develop a Child Development Center.”

This workshop aimed to provide critical tools and knowledge to assist those working with the youngest children. The training was organized by the church’s discipleship ministry to equip educators and ministries with the necessary information to address the diverse needs of children and provide them with comprehensive training that prepares them to face future challenges.

The workshop's primary facilitator, Marlen Soria, coordinator for Comprehensive Child Development and MesoKids for the Mesoamerica Region, came from Panama to share her experience and knowledge. Together with her husband, Benjamin Soria, regional coordinator for Nazarene Youth International (NYI), they also presented the work and projects NYI develops in the region. Both shared their passion for children's ministry, encouraging the leaders present to apply what they learned in their ministries and the daily lives of the children they interact with.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to delve deeper into the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects that influence child development. A central theme was recognizing and addressing internal and external factors affecting children's growth and well-being. This comprehensive perspective will enable teachers and leaders to teach and understand children's situations better, presenting them with the message of Jesus in a contextualized and empathetic way.

The workshop also highlighted how Jesus loved and valued children, as described in the Scriptures, and reaffirmed the Church of the Nazarene's commitment to children's ministry in the region. In this context, participants reflected on developing appropriate spaces, such as Child Development Centers, that can provide comprehensive care and promote the youngest children's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Pastor Rolando Cowo expressed his gratitude for the visit of Marlen Soria and her family, who could see the work of the Northern District of Belize up close. During their visit, they saw three primary schools and one secondary school.

Cowo noted that the training transformed his vision of children's ministry. He expressed his desire for forming a solid team in the children's ministry in the Northern District, supported by the Mesoamerica Region. He felt especially challenged to work on the integral development of the children of Iglesia del Nazareno Betel and in the communities of Las Flores, Belmopan, praying that each child would reach their full potential.

As the director of children's ministry, Cowo also reflected on the importance of reaching out to children in Belize, who comprise a significant portion of the population: 39.4% are between 0 and 18 years old. Finally, he asked for prayers for the children of "Jerusalem" (Belize) to be witnesses of Christ, taking his message to all corners of the world.

With these initiatives, the Church of the Nazarene in Belize continues to strengthen its work in order to impact the lives of children and prepare leaders to be agents of change, modeling the love and care that Jesus showed towards the little ones.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region