Church of the Nazarene

Remembering Beryl Adams

dlsperry94 — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:55:21 +0000

Remembering Beryl Adams

dlsperry94 Fri, 05/24/2024 - 14:55

Beryl (Barron) Adams, 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away on 20 May 2024. She was a retired missionary who served in Brazil from 1981-2003.

She was born in Perth, Scotland on 18 January 1941. She gave her life to the Lord when she was 15 while attending the first Billy Graham Crusade in Scotland. At that time, she was sure God was calling her to be a missionary in Brazil.

She attended the Bible Training Institute of Glasgow, earning a diploma in theology. She applied to be a missionary in Brazil to serve God amongst the indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest.

Her call to the missions field came with further training, attending a linguistics course in London. It was there she met Brian Adams. There were only eight students enrolled in the course two-year course.

In 1967, she and Brian married, and they served as missionaries with the Unevangelized Fields Misson for eight years before being appointed as missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene.

Together, they began serving in Brazil, specializing in church planting in Paraná. One of their most significant accomplishments was the work of the Igreja do Nazareno Boqueirão, where they helped raise the congregation and helped construct the church building.

She and Brian both taught at the Bible Institute in Curitiba, and in 1986 they moved to the northeast of Brazil in Recife and organized the first family camp.

In a tribute to their service, Dejair Klug, pastor of Igreja do Nazareno Central de Paulínia, wrote in a social media post that Beryl and her husband, Brian, played a significant role in Church of the Nazarene in Brazil, reaching the State of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso do Sul.

They retired as missionaries in 2003 and lived in the United States to be with their sons.

Beryl is survived by her husband, Brian Adams; sons, Gavin Adams and Allaster Adams; and daughter, Luzianete Santana Adams.

In Memoriam: 24 May 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 23 May 2024 21:58:31 +0000

In Memoriam: 24 May 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/23/2024 - 21:58

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 May 2024.

John Abney, 93, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away 9 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, New York, Tennessee, Colorado, and Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Abney.

Beryl Adams, 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away on 20 May 2024. She was a retired missionary who served in Brazil from 1981-2003. She is survived by her husband, Brian Adams.

Christine Blankenship, 93, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away 17 May 2024. She was the widow of James Blankenship, a retired district superintendent who led the Northwestern Ohio and San Antonio Districts. He served as a minister in Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. James passed away in 2010.

Steven Gates, 74, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away 10 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Arizona, Texas, Washington, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Gates.

Linda Gregory, 78, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away 16 May 2024. She was the widow of Ben Gregory, a retired minister who served in Ohio and Kentucky. Ben passed away in 2023.

Charles Lambert, 94, of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away 3 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lambert.

Donna Midgette, 86, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away 7 May 2024. She was the widow of Bobby Midgette, a retired minister who served in Illinois, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Bobby passed in February.

Jalileh Rihani, 82, of Arlington, Heights, Illinois, passed away 7 May 2024. She was the widow of Suleiman Rihani, a minister who served in Illinois. Suleiman passed away in 2001.

Ted Underwood, 79, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away 23 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Kansas and Florida.

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

2024 USA/Canada commencement report

dlsperry94 — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:34:08 +0000

2024 USA/Canada commencement report

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/23/2024 - 15:34

Nazarene News compiled the following list of spring commencement reports from each of the Nazarene institutions of higher education on the USA/Canada Region:

Ambrose University
President: Gordon Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 26 April (Education), 4 May (Undergraduate and Seminary)
Commencement Speakers: Gordon Smith
Number of Graduates: 189
Fast Facts: Gordon Smith is retiring after 12 years of leadership as President of Ambrose University. He will be replaced by Bryce Ashlin-Mayo...Full story

Eastern Nazarene College
President: Colleen Derr
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3-4 May
Commencement Speakers: Richard Griffiths
Number of Graduates: 129
Fast Facts: The class of 2024 was comprised of 13 different nationalities, with a flag on stage to represent each one...Full story

MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: David Busic

Number of Graduates: 402
Fast Facts: Eight 2024 graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program at MNU have more in common than their studies. They all work for the University of Kansas Health System…Full story

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Carson Castleman
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: Andrew Monnin
Number of Graduates: 456
Fast Facts: Brookstyn Black, an social work major, and Zach Ballenger, a religion major, were presented Service Above Self award...Full story

Nazarene Bible College
President: Scott Sherwood
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Web: nbc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: Various
Number of Graduates:
Fast Facts: Since the 2022-2023 academic year, Nazarene Bible College no longer hosts an in person commencement celebration. Instead, NBC brings a commencement celebration to your local church...Full story

Northwest Nazarene University
President: Joel Pearsall
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speaker: Amy Ackley
Number of Graduates: 500
Fast Facts: Of NNU's 500 graduates, more than half graduated from the Graduate and Professional Studies program...Full story

Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Jeren Rowell
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speaker: Samantha Chambo
Number of Graduates: 44
Fast Facts: NTS Graduates and attendees recited a litany written by the late Professor Emeritus Paul Bassett...Full story

Olivet Nazarene University
President: Gregg Chenoweth
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 7 May
Commencement Speakers: Teresa Woodruff, Jasper Taylor
Number of Graduates: 846
Fast Facts: Following the conferring of the undergraduate degrees, five graduates were commissioned by Captain Brock Trexler as second lieutenants in the United States Army...Full story.

Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Bob Brower
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 6-7 May
Commencement Speakers: Jessica Matthews, Matthieu Rouffet
Number of Graduates: 744
Fast Facts: Bob Brower, who is retiring after leading Point Loma Nazarene University for the last 27 years, and his wife, Linda Brower, both received honorary doctorates for their service and leadership to the Point Loma community...Full story

Southern Nazarene University
President: J. Keith Newman
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 14 May
Commencement Speaker: Rod and Susan Riley
Number of Graduates: 335
Fast Facts: SNU honored Mike and Sheila Ingram as honorary alumni, recognizing their many years of faithful support of the university’s mission to make Christlike disciples through higher education...Full story

Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 4 May
Commencement Speakers: Jonathan Burch
Number of Graduates: 980
Fast Facts: A large rainstorm drenched graduates and families during the undergraduate ceremony in the Trevecca Nazarene Univeristy quad...Video

El Salvador ministry brings hope to children, teens in crisis

dlsperry94 — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:24:32 +0000

El Salvador ministry brings hope to children, teens in crisis

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/23/2024 - 15:24

Iglesia del Nazareno Las Peñas in Acajutla, El Salvador, opened its doors to about 130 children and adolescents who are missing one or two of their parents due to the emergency order that remains effective in the country.

The children and adolescents were left in the care of relatives or neighbors. The church became aware of their needs and decided to dedicate particular time for them once a week. The children listen to Bible stories, sing songs, play games, and receive snacks during this time.

One of the girls who attends the center, along with her 7-month-old brother, were left in the care of her 76-year-old great-grandmother after her mother and grandmother were taken away by the police. The church embraced this family and visited them to pray and bring food and other essential items. In addition, the church obtained psychological help for them.

With the support of the church members and their friends, the church has always been able to provide a snack, which the children and adolescents receive with great happiness and gratitude. An average of 75 children attend each week.

"Although the meeting starts at 6 p.m., the children have been waiting for this time since 4 p.m.," said Beatriz de Lara, coordinator of the center and wife of the pastor of Las Peñas. "It fills us with satisfaction to know that we can share the love of Jesus with the little ones."

Regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Damaris Kellogg said that during a visit carried out with the coordinator of DINA (Comprehensive Development of Children and Adolescents), they were able to observe that the children and adolescents created an attachment to the pastors, facilitators, and teachers who support this project.

"It is a blessing to see the love of Jesus demonstrated through the church toward them," Kellogg said.

She also said that there are testimonies of transformation that are the result of constant work done with love and faith in God's provision.

Previously, NCM assisted this community in responding to disasters and is now working to create a comprehensive care project for children and adolescents.

"This beacon of light (the church) that shines with hope and love in this port community will continue to transform and leave its mark on the lives of these children and adolescents," Kellogg said.

Kellogg requests pray for all the volunteers, for the pastors, Fernando and Beatriz, and for the provision of all the necessary resources to continue blessing each home represented. She also requested prayer for God to continue to work in the face of this need that is present in other communities in El Salvador.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Africa region ministry helps to restore dignity for widows of martyrs

dlsperry94 — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:49:10 +0000

Africa region ministry helps to restore dignity for widows of martyrs

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/23/2024 - 14:49

The following is a first-person report from a missionary assigned to the Africa Region about an impactful ministry for martyrs' widows.

Imagine with me that you live in a country where having a different faith from the majority is illegal. Imagine that you are a Christian family in this country just trying to get by. As a husband and wife, you are doing your best to raise your children in the faith, but it is challenging. No one will employ you. Neighbors and family shun you if not outright persecute you and torment you.

Now, imagine you discover that your husband has been martyred for your faith and now you have to try and raise your children in the faith without a partner, a breadwinner, or a protector.

This scenario is the reality for two Nazarene widows in Africa. We cannot mention their names or locations for protection, but they shared with our leaders that life was tough. Their children could not go to school, their clothes became ragged, and on many days, they struggled to eat even one meal a day.

Yet through the generosity of Nazarenes to the project “Martyrs’ Widows’ Shop,” the Church of the Nazarene was able to provide these courageous women with the necessary goods to run small grocery shops. Local Nazarenes help cover the cost of rent for three months to enable these new shopkeepers to get started. They also helped build shelves to hold the merchandise.

Small local grocery stores are typical in this part of the world, and owning such a shop allows these widows to support their families without seeking employment from those who would persecute them.

One widow said, “I am eternally grateful to my Nazarene brothers and sisters. My kids will return to school, and we can now walk with heads held high.”

The other said, “Because of this shop, my kids will never go hungry again. I already registered them at the neighborhood school. I thank my fellow Nazarenes for their kindness; they have restored my lost dignity to me.”

To learn more about how you can support this ministry, click here.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Eurasia Nazarenes join other Wesleyan-Holiness traditions for conference

dlsperry94 — Tue, 21 May 2024 21:25:13 +0000

Eurasia Nazarenes join other Wesleyan-Holiness traditions for conference

dlsperry94 Tue, 05/21/2024 - 21:25

The Wesleyan Holiness Connection held its first European conference from 27-29 April at the New Life Wesleyan Church in Birmingham, England. Representatives from various denominations, all sharing in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, came together under the theme “Holiness for such a time as this.”

Participants from the Church of the Nazarene included 10 representatives from the Western Mediterranean Field of France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal and many participants from the British Isles South District.

“[I was] so thankful for this time of gathering,” said Pastor Ben-Oni Valentin from France. “What an opportunity to meet brothers and sisters from other denominations and countries who share the same Wesleyan-Holiness heritage. We’ve been reminded how much the deepness of the message of holiness from John Wesley is still relevant today.”

The three days consisted of prayer, worship, reflection, discussion, and connection.

Participants could participate in one of the four workshops, each answering the call to holiness in action. The workshops were:

Wesleyan Mission: The Oxygen Movement by Cassius Francis
Art and Creative Worship by NTC–Manchester Professor Louise Kenyon
How to Bless the Community Through Creative Engagement by Anji Barker
Collaborative Leaders in the Wesleyan Way

Many came away from the workshops challenged, energized, and motivated by seeing the church working outside the box to minister in their communities and how they can go forth and do the same.

Keynote speakers included Deirdre Brower Latz, president of NTC–Manchester, Kevin Mannoia from the Free Methodist Church, and John Richardson, Wesleyan Holiness Connection Executive Director with devotionals given by Lemuel Thuston from Church of God in Christ and David White of New Life Wesleyan.

Mannoia reflected on how God is on the move, weaving people and the Kingdom together for God’s purpose. He reminded participants that differences in doctrinal background do not make one denomination better than another but rather allow us to look at holiness through the lens of others.

The topic opened the door for deep discussions in small groups around questions like “How do we envision the future of the Wesleyan-Holiness theology and its relevance?” and “How can we approach differences in interpretation or emphasis within the Wesleyan Holiness theology among leaders and congregations?”.

“This observation took us to what leaders need most, which is a ‘pure heart,’” Valentin said. “We must be rooted in the heart of God and at the same time reach as far as possible into culture in order to bring transformation.”

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

In Memoriam: 17 May 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:18:37 +0000

In Memoriam: 17 May 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 21:18

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 13-17 May 2024.

DeLoss Conger, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away 4 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Harriet Conger.

Sina Eang, 84, of Long Beach, California, passed away 11 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eng Kim. He is survived by his second wife, Siv Leang.

Gene Jackson, 76, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away 15 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Patty Jackson.

Larry Leonard, 78, of Casselberry, Florida, passed away 15 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Janet Leonard.

Bruce Paul, 63, of San Diego, California, passed away 12 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. He is survived by his wife, Mary Paul.

Ryan Pennington, 51, of Lewiston, Idaho, passed away 12 May 2024. He was a minister serving at Lewiston First Church of the Nazarene. He has served as a minister in Washington. He is survived by his wife, Tanisia Pennington.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Eastern Nazarene College announces three new fully online degree programs

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:45:06 +0000

Eastern Nazarene College announces three new fully online degree programs

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 19:45

Eastern Nazarene College has received accreditation for three new, fully online programs, bringing the college’s online degree offerings to seven.

The newly accredited programs will begin 8 July 2024 and are approved for full online delivery. In addition to full accreditation, all online program offerings have recently lowered tuition, furthering the college’s commitment to removing the barriers to affordable, high-quality, faith-based education. ENC Online undergraduate program offerings are $390 per credit hour and graduate programs are $550.

Beginning 8 July, the college will offer an Associate of Arts degree in general studies, a Bachelor of Arts in management, and a Master of Science in management – information technology. These three programs join ENC’s existing four online degree programs and are conducted asynchronously.

Director of Online Enrollment Jennifer Adkins says she “could not be more thrilled about the NECHE approval of our new fully online degree offerings.”

“The Associate of Arts in general studies, the Bachelor of Arts in management, and the Master of Science in management – information technology programs open up incredible opportunities for students near and far,” Adkins said.

The demand for online and distance education programs has risen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrolled students and potential learners quickly realized the value of flexible education opportunities when colleges and universities began offering online courses.
“These programs allow working adults, parents, and others who may have faced barriers to access high-quality, Christ-centered education from an accredited institution,” Adkins said. “Our online formats provide the flexibility they need to balance work, family, and other commitments.”

Applications are open for all programs and cohorts.
--Eastern Nazarene College

Nazarenes respond to devastating floods in Brazil

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:17:25 +0000

Nazarenes respond to devastating floods in Brazil

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 19:17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bradley Estep elected superintendent of Arizona District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:44:13 +0000

Bradley Estep elected superintendent of Arizona District

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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