Church of the Nazarene

In Memoriam: 5 July 2024

dlsperry94 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:05:07 +0000

In Memoriam: 5 July 2024

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 18:05

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 1-5 July 2024.

No entries received.

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

Moving Ministers: June 2024

dlsperry94 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:35:27 +0000

Moving Ministers: June 2024

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 17:35

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 June 2024.

To view the June report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

Point Loma Nazarene University elects new president

dlsperry94 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:03:30 +0000

Point Loma Nazarene University elects new president

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 15:03

Point Loma Nazarene University announced the election of Kerry Fulcher as the university’s 15^th president on 1 July 2024. Fulcher has been the university’s provost and chief academic officer since 2010. Fulcher was also a professor of biology at PLNU starting in 1994 and was biology chair from 2002 to 2008. He earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Idaho and his Bachelor of Science at Northwest Nazarene University.

“I want to thank Board Trustee Nell Becker Sweeden who chaired the Search Committee and the faculty, staff, and trustees for their time and energy in faithfully serving on this committee,” said Doug Pierce, PLNU Board of Trustees chair. “I also want to thank FaithSearch Partners, one of the largest executive search firms in the U.S., who was hired early on to assist with this search.”

In February, FaithSearch Partners conducted focus groups with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, external partners, and donors to fully understand and appreciate the community’s perspective on the important characteristics and experiences of the ideal presidential candidate, as well as challenges the next president will likely face.

Additionally, an anonymous survey was sent to all faculty and staff, trustees, alumni, and external partners to gather additional insight and perspectives. This input was used to create a detailed position profile that helped to guide the next phase of the search process.

FaithSearch Partners worked to narrow the crowded pool of candidates to approximately 150. The candidate list was further refined after additional follow up conversations and vetting. Twelve qualified candidates were presented to the Search Committee, which then narrowed it down to four individuals.

Early this month, the Search Committee met in person for in depth interviews with the final three candidates (after one person withdrew). The committee recommended two candidates to the full Board of Trustees, which voted to elect Fulcher as the next PLNU president.

Fulcher brings a wealth of higher education experience, understands the growing challenges and complexities that universities are facing, and is committed to making the PLNU community a welcoming and thriving place for all of its students, faculty, and staff.

“Robyn and I are humbled and honored to be chosen to serve this beautiful community that we have had the privilege of being a part of for these many years,” Kerry said. “We are grateful for Dr. Bob and Linda Brower’s faithful leadership that has left PLNU with a solid foundation and strong financial position to build from. We know and believe the Holy Spirit is active and present within the PLNU community and we’re excited to partner together, moving into the good future God has in store.”

--Point Loma Nazarene University

Ohio church revitalizes community baseball diamond

dlsperry94 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:34:00 +0000

Ohio church revitalizes community baseball diamond

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 14:34

An Ohio church revitalized a local baseball diamond as an act of love toward its community. The revitalization of this community landmark has made an impact on the city of Mount Vernon.

The Lamb Park baseball diamond was home to local youth baseball leagues dating back to the 1950s. The last time a team played at Lamb Park was in the mid-2000s.

“Baseball is something that is really near and dear to people’s hearts,” said New Life Church of the Nazarene sports director Ryan Farr. “Lamb Park being in disarray — to a lot of people — was the sign of the golden days being gone.”

Lamb Park is located in a neighborhood known as “South Vernon,” also home to New Life Church of the Nazarene.

“We saw this really cool opportunity to step into a need in our neighborhood at this historic baseball park that people have great memories at,” Farr said.

The dream to renovate the baseball diamond began a few years ago and came to fruition after the facility changed ownership. Farr and the team at New Life stepped into the opportunities that presented themselves, eventually negotiating a lease with the property owners to revitalize Lamb Park.

“I don’t think that we would put all the recourses that we’re putting into it now if this happened three or four years ago,” Farr said. “We had to wait for a time, but the time was ripe when we were able to get in there.”

A team of volunteers from both the church and the community cleaned up the overgrown grass in the infield and brought in new clay dirt. They painted dugouts and fences while updating and renovating the concession stands, among other facilities.

The project was made possible through donations received from both church and community members, with one of the largest donations to date coming from outside the church.

All Out Sports is New Life’s sports ministry, which offers youth soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and other after-school programs with over 1,000 participating athletes. The All Out Angels, All Out Sports’ baseball team, are based out of Lamb Park and compete locally in the city youth baseball league.

The ministry seeks to be “an intentional bridge to connect participants into the New Life Church body.” All sessions include a group devotional led by a discipleship coordinator prior to practice or games.
New Life Lead Pastor Troy McNichols likened sports ministry to the popularities of bus ministries and VBS, recognizing that organized youth sports are at the forefront of culture in America today.

“Good, bad, or indifferent, our culture and society worships sports,” McNichols said. “We’re simply using sports as a vehicle to make that connection, to build that bridge to a community of folks who don’t know Jesus… It’s basically redeeming something that the culture worships for the cause of Christ.”

Over 100 Ecuador nazarenes participate in Living the Great Commission training

dlsperry94 — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:27:55 +0000

Over 100 Ecuador nazarenes participate in Living the Great Commission training

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/03/2024 - 14:27

On 1 June 2024, the Living the Great Commission (VGC) training was successfully held for the Ecuador Sierra Norte District. The event was held at Quito's South American Nazarene Theological Seminary (SNTS) facilities.

This training brought together more than 100 people from various congregations, who had the opportunity to learn valuable tools to implement in their ministries and reflect on statistics and improving teamwork.

The attendees were joined by speakers Jimmy De Gouveia, regional coordinator for Church Development, and Milton Mateus, regional coordinator for VGC, who shared their experience and knowledge on the subject. Also present were Freddy Benavidez, superintendent of the Sierra Norte District; Rodrigo Olmedo, national coordinator for Church Development; and Esteban Albornoz, holistic ministries coordinator for Ecuador.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the VGC wheel, a visual tool that provides a clear view of the functioning and development of churches. Through this self-analysis technique, participants could evaluate different areas of their congregations, making them aware of the moment they find themselves in and the aspects that need improvement.

Pastor Alexander Vargas Robalino expressed his satisfaction with the experience.

"The Living the Great Commission conference was truly enriching,” he said. “With the VGC wheel, we obtained a graphic vision of the functioning of our church, evaluated various areas, and became aware of the aspects to be improved."

The day concluded with thanksgiving to God for the quality time and shared learning. The participants committed to continue advancing in extending the kingdom of God in Ecuador, reaffirming their identity as the church of the Lord, the Church of the Nazarene.

With this training, the church continues to strengthen its leaders and pastors, promoting the implementation of the Great Commission and spiritual and ministerial growth throughout the country.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Namibia Church of the Nazarene celebrates 50th anniversary

dlsperry94 — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:50:29 +0000

Namibia Church of the Nazarene celebrates 50th anniversary

dlsperry94 Mon, 07/01/2024 - 21:50

The Namibia District on the Africa South Field commemorated its 50th anniversary at the First Church of the Nazarene in Khomasdal, Windhoek, in the Khomas Region of Namibia from 19-23 June 2024. Over 200 members and leaders from 17 churches nationwide participated.

The event was graced by District Superintendent Domingo Kamonga, Field Strategy Coordinator Solomon and his wife, Kgomotso Ndlovu, and several members of the field ministry team.

The Church of the Nazarene was established in Namibia in 1973. The anniversary celebration was themed Revitalising the Mission of the Church of the Nazarene in Namibia. Festivities began with music, dance, and testimonies of God’s blessings. The longest-serving missionary, Mike Shalley, virtually shared in the celebration on the opening night.

Each morning, the session commenced with workshops led by various facilitators on topics such as Nazarene identity and clergy development, post-COVID-19 evangelism, overcoming pain and healing, women’s clergy workshops, and discipleship and youth workshops led by field leaders. Evening services concluded each day of celebration.

The event was a collaborative effort of the four churches in the Windhoek area, each assigned different responsibilities like transportation, catering, accommodations, music, and media. Together, they successfully hosted a memorable celebration.

The Africa Region thanks God for the Namibia District and the many lives that have been changed in these 50 years!

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

NNU team joins locals to build WASH project at APNTS

dlsperry94 — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:37:44 +0000

NNU team joins locals to build WASH project at APNTS

dlsperry94 Mon, 07/01/2024 - 21:37

A team of five Northwest Nazarene University engineering students and their professors joined two Filipino engineers in building an off-grid public toilet with a hand washing station at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in late May 2024. This project is a prototype, and the region hopes to replicate and build these water stations and toilets in communities where access to clean water and toilets is a challenge.

The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project is a partnership among Nazarene Compassionate Ministries on the Philippines-Micronesia Field, Nazarene Missions Teams, APNTS, ICF, and missionary Randy Goossens. The goal is to provide a well-lit, safe place for people to practice good personal hygiene privately and access a clean water station without any connection to water/sewer/power utilities. This system could also be used at an NCM disaster site.

On the first day the group gathered for orientation and learned about the ongoing ministries in the Philippines-Micronesia Field. Despite the hot weather, the team managed to organize the materials and get started. In the following days, the pipes were laid out, the toilet floors were installed, and storage tanks were washed and leveled.

In the middle of the week, the team was slowed by rain but still managed to finish the project and turn it over to APNTS. Aside from completing the WASH project, the team ministered to children at New Hope Church of the Nazarene and the staff at APNTS.

The Philippines-Micronesia Field is grateful to NNU students and professors.

--Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

In Memoriam: 28 June 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:44:50 +0000

In Memoriam: 28 June 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/27/2024 - 21:44

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 24-28 June 2024.

Earl Marvin, 91, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 20 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Missouri, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lee Marvin, who passed away in 2009. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Lenore Marvin, who passed away in 2023.

Carl Romey, 75, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away 16 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Florida and Indiana.

Dolores Shrider, 89, of Mount Blanchard, Ohio, passed away 21 June 2024. She was the widow of James Shrider, a retired minister who served in Kansas and Ohio. James passed away in 2004.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Discover Missions helps over 100 young adults with call to missions

dlsperry94 — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 20:45:25 +0000

Discover Missions helps over 100 young adults with call to missions

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/27/2024 - 20:45

Over 150 students, leaders, and translators from 42 different countries joined for the 2024 Discover Missions event, held 7-19 June in Nairobi, Kenya. Discover Missions is an immersive experience designed for young adults to discern God’s call to the missions field on their life.

“This was an intentional international learning event,” said Brent Hulett, Missions Mobilization director. “Our goal was for young adults to make a decision to step into full time missions much earlier in their career.”

Discover Missions intentionally invited mobilization coordinators and missionaries from each region. After spending almost two weeks living, learning, and doing ministry together, the students now have personal relationships with missions leaders who can support them along their missions journey.

The event included a mix of education and hands-on experiences. Each day started with breakfast and a personal devotional time using a guided devotional attendees received.

“On-campus” days were filled with workshops on a variety of topics such as mental health, creative access missions, cross-cultural conflict, and reaching unreached people groups. They also included a missionary panel and Q&A sessions on topics such as personal social media usage and steps to apply for current missionary openings.

“One workshop presenter really challenged us to ask, ‘What are the needs where I am now? What is in my hands already that can help?’” said one participant from the United States. “It made me realize my city is really broken and has large needs. I can be serving now.”

The creative access missions workshop was so popular that a second Q&A time with CAA missionaries was created. Over 40 young adults reported a call to creative access missions.

“God really used this event to confirm my call to creative access missions,” said one participant from the Mesoamerica Region.

“Off-campus” days sent the young adults out in groups to serve with three different organizations, pulled from a pool of ten in the Nairobi area. They included orphanages, schools, compassionate ministry sites, and Nazarene for She, which provides education and sanitary products for young girls. The ministry sites introduced the students to a variety of ministry models that serve a community’s needs in innovative ways.

“I always had an interest in missions but never felt called to be a traditional missionary,” said another participant from the United States. “God has given me a passion for reconciliation work in the world. At Discover, I learned there is a place for me to do these kinds of ministries in missions.”

Leaders and organizers hope that the young adults who attended were able to discern God’s call on their life and that they are more equipped to be effective ministers of the gospel in cross-cultural contexts.

“I came to Discover after a really hard time in my life,” said a participant from Africa. “This event really gave me hope and vision for the future. I know God had me here on purpose.”

Missionaries give hope, share gospel with Shuar children

dlsperry94 — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:57:43 +0000

Missionaries give hope, share gospel with Shuar children

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/27/2024 - 19:57

In a touching act of love and faith, a group of students from Point Loma Nazarene University in California, USA, were led on an evangelistic day for the boys and girls of the Shuar community in Pimpints near Taisha, Ecuador.

The Shuar are an indigenous group native to the Amazon region in Ecuador.

The initiative, filled with games, music, and joy, aimed to highlight the importance of the identity of each boy and girl, reminding them how much God loves and honors them. Bracelets were given to children and dresses to girls, seeking to instill them with value and security in God.

The dresses were made by a group of women from Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene in Arizona, USA. Once a year, these women make roughly 2,000 dresses and ship them around the world through a program called “Dress a Girl.” The idea is to pass those dresses to girls and talk with them about their identity in Christ. As each girl receives a dress, someone prays individually for them.

Celeste, a missions team member, couldn't hold back the tears and recounted how the Holy Spirit showed her the pain of each girl who has suffered harm and the joy of knowing they are being loved.

Belen Ramos and her husband, Isaac Almendaris, have pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Taisha for five years. During her participation, Ramos shared with the girls the value and dignity God grants them. Almendaris shared about the importance of self-esteem and the children’s identity in Christ.

Ramos expressed her deep gratitude to Cindy Orellana, Lady Yumbla, and Johana Yumbla for their valuable contribution and support. These women, who received discipleship in the local church, have become an inspiration and light to others.

"We must learn to express love within our families, especially to boys and girls,” said Johana Yumbla, coordinator of the Oikos sponsorship ministry at Taisha Church. “In this evangelism, we hug the girls, tell them about Jesus, and remind them how much he loves them."

This evangelistic day was carried out in the hopes of establishing a church in the community. The team asked for continued prayer for these children and their families so that they may find hope, strength, and protection in their walk of faith.

--Church of the Nazarene South America