Church of the Nazarene

Mindanao East District cares for pastors' kids through conference

dlsperry94 — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:40:10 +0000

Mindanao East District cares for pastors' kids through conference

dlsperry94 Fri, 07/18/2025 - 15:40

The Mindanao East District hosted a heartwarming fellowship for pastors’ children in late May, fostering an atmosphere of support, learning, and encouragement. The event brought together 21 pastors’ kids who share the unique journey of being raised in pastoral families, providing a safe space to reflect on their experiences and challenges, as well as a time for fun and games. Ten PK parents were also present at the event.

A key highlight of the gathering was an insightful lecture/workshop on “Good Touch, Bad Touch” led by Daisy Fuentes, project director of TEACH Davao, and “Challenges of the Pastors’ Children and How They Overcome” by Lilian Tambongco, HCD coordinator of the Philippines-Micronesia Field. Participants gained practical knowledge of personal boundaries, safety, and resilience in the face of possible adversity. The eye-opening discussion provided participants with a timely and much-needed message.

Beyond the lecture, the fellowship was filled with moments of inspiration and heartfelt conversations. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow pastors’ kids, realizing they are not alone in their struggles. The event served as a testament to the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments where pastors’ children can grow in faith, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Organizers hope this initiative will continue strengthening the bonds among pastors’ kids, ensuring they feel supported in their journey and equipped to overcome life’s challenges with faith and courage.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

In Memoriam: 18 July 2025

dlsperry94 — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 01:46:09 +0000

In Memoriam: 18 July 2025

dlsperry94 Fri, 07/18/2025 - 01:46

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 14-18 July 2025.

Frances Ballard, 83, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away 10 July 2025. She was the wife of Charles Ballard, a minister who served in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Xavier DeHoyos, 63, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away 16 July 2025. He was the pastor of The Crossings Church of the Nazarene in San Antonio, and served previously in Texas. He is survived by his wife, Diane DeHoyos.

Lucas Graves, 42, of Coos Bay, Oregon, passed away 10 July 2025. He was a minister who served in Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Amanda Graves.

Elizabeth Guy, 76, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, passed away 2 July 2025. She was the wife of Claude Guy, a retired minister who served in Oklahoma.

Roger Holden, 83, of Baker City, Oregon, passed away 12 July 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Holden.

William Hunter Jr, 78, of Callahan, Florida, passed away 11 July 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana and Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Hunter.

Steven Johnson, 62, of Saint Louis, Missouri, passed away 28 June 2025. He was a minister and chaplain who served in Missouri.

Beth Ladue, 81, of Sedro Woolley, Washington, passed away 14 July 2025. She was the wife of Donald LaDue, a minister who served in New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Jerry Searcy, 86, of Turlock, California, passed away 5 July 2025. He was a retired minister who served in California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Searcy, who passed away in 2019.

Laura Steele, 89, of Lake City, Florida, passed away 3 July 2025. She was the widow of James Steele, a retired minister and evangelist who served in Florida. James passed away in 2017.

Mary Steveley, 92, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away 9 July 2025. She was the widow of Larry Steveley, a retired minister who served in Ohio. Larry passed away in 2019.

Felix Vigil, 71, of Madera, California, passed away 13 July 2025. He was a retired minister who served in California and Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Carol Vigil.

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

Guatemala Nazarenes collaborate with Genesis missionaries for missions trip

dlsperry94 — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:06:16 +0000

Guatemala Nazarenes collaborate with Genesis missionaries for missions trip

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/17/2025 - 20:06

On 21 June 2025, Jhoselyn Barrios (Missionary Mobilization coordinator) and Ingrid Jocholá (International Nazarene Missions coordinator) undertook a four-hour trip from Guatemala to the city of Santa Ana in the Western District of El Salvador. They were accompanied by Jeremías Ac, Donald Lima, and Alisson González--members of the Missionary Mobilization (MM) team from the North Central Field. Their goal was to join the work that the Holy Spirit is already doing through the Genesis missionaries: Teresa, Emmanuel, and Icsa.

The team arrived to encourage, pray, and spend time with the missionaries, while also observing and coordinating future service opportunities, such as the Pablo Project and short-term cross-cultural experiences (lasting 1 to 3 months). One of the main activities was the first Medical-Dental Brigade organized by the Genesis team in Colonia España. The team provided general consultations, dental cleanings, and medication distribution, but most importantly, the message of salvation was shared. As people waited, team members prayed with them; during the dental cleanings, oral hygiene lessons were used to explain how Christ can also cleanse our hearts.

"I went to Dr. Emanuel for a dental cleaning and then a consultation with Dr. Icsa," said Linda, a resident of Colonia España. "The medication worked well for me, and the care was excellent. Everyone was very attentive. We're very grateful because things like this don't happen often, and I'm grateful for their care."

During this outing, the Genesis team received valuable support from three young people from the Nazarene Youth International (NYI) of Chalchuapa and the North Central Field Missionary Mobilization team. Together, they conducted door-to-door and street evangelism, accompanied by Pastor Julio Alemán. This activity was a great blessing, allowing people in the community to learn about the Church of the Nazarene.

The impact goes beyond a single activity. These events are part of an evangelistic strategy designed to connect families in the communities where the missionaries serve. In Colonia Solórzano, for example, they have established relationships with families who are beginning their journey with Jesus, helping them experience community life. In both sectors, weekly services are held on Sundays in Colonia España and on Saturdays in Solórzano.

The presence of Genesis missionaries is felt throughout the week. With only four months on the mission field, the team has begun a steady effort. Team members visit schools Tuesday through Thursday, mentoring students in grades seven through nine. On Fridays, they promote healthy recreation with children's activities at the Carmen Elena Escalón School.

Additionally, every Thursday, they organize sports events at the Solórzano sports center, where they share gospel principles through games and conversations. New young people have joined these activities every week. More than 23 students are enrolled in music classes. And every Saturday, in addition to learning theory and technique, the sessions begin with a biblical reflection.

"We come here with many expectations, gifts, talents, and abilities… but God's expectations have been much higher," said Emanuel Guerro, a Genesis missionary. "When we say yes to the Lord, he uses each of our abilities to share his love with others… I do it with my instruments, telling them that God wants to see them smile eternally, and to do so, they must accept him as their Savior. Let us come to Christ with everything we have in our hands, without reservation, without doubt, and he will use it so that others may know of his love."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica

Celebrating the life, legacy of Alberto Ainscough

dlsperry94 — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:56:03 +0000

Celebrating the life, legacy of Alberto Ainscough

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/17/2025 - 19:56

With gratitude for his legacy of faith and service, the Church of the Nazarene in Argentina bid farewell to Alberto Eduardo Ainscough on 9 July 2025.

He was a pastor, missionary, and physician —a faithful servant of God who dedicated his entire life to proclaiming the gospel, providing physical and spiritual healing, and forming leaders for the Kingdom.

Born on 21 June 1935, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, he completed his primary and secondary education in various schools in Buenos Aires and also in England. He served his country as a police officer during his military service and as president of the Nazarene Youth International (NYI) districts in Argentina and Uruguay.

As a youth, he met the teenager Rosita Russo, a teen whom he evangelized and invited to Sunday school at the Bering Church of the Nazarene. Later, Rosita would become his wife and ministry partner.

Alberto graduated with a degree in cardiology from the University of Buenos Aires. He began his pastoral ministry at the Church of the Nazarene in Conde and was later transferred to the church in Villa Ballester. From there, he and Rosita were sent as the first non-US global missionaries of the Church of the Nazarene World Mission, serving as doctors and pastors in the town of Whasin, in the Republic of India. There, accompanied by their children, Elizabeth and Alberto Jr., for four years they evangelized and planted churches.

Afterward, they returned to Argentina, where their third daughter, Noemí, was born. They continued their pastoral ministry at the Church of the Nazarene in Terrero and later returned to the church in Villa Ballester, building a new church on 9 de Julio Avenue. They also planted a church in Villa Elisa and established a prayer group in Pilar, where the largest church in the Central District of Argentina is currently located.

Later, in their home, they started the Villa Luro Mission, where the temple that hosted his farewell was eventually built and where he served as pastor emeritus until his final days.

For decades, Ainscough traveled as a doctor and missionary, both domestically and internationally. Supported by Rosita his children, he completed his master's degree in theology with honors. In 2012, he was the first student to present his thesis via Zoom. He was also a professor at the Nazarene Theological Seminary, a mentor to many current pastors and missionaries, and until recently hosted prayer meetings at his home.

Alberto and Rosita together raised a beautiful family with three children and seven grandchildren: Melisa, Lucas, Tomás, Timy, Brenda, Juan Manuel, and Ezequiel.

He ministered to many congregants--helped bring healing, comfort, and love--leaving a profound impact on Argentina and beyond.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

JESUS film leads to life transformation for Nigeria man

dlsperry94 — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:46:14 +0000

JESUS film leads to life transformation for Nigeria man

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/17/2025 - 18:46

The following is a testimony from a man who attended a JESUS film showing in Nigeria.

My name is Victor Egbewale Oluwaseyifunmi from the Ekiti State in Nigeria. I was born into a Christian family, and I married from a Christian home. As I journeyed through life, I lost focus and commitment due to my materialistic mindset. There was a lack of family peace and joy.

During the recent Easter holiday, I had opportunity to stay with my family and friends to spend time and have a bit of a party together. During that time, we welcomed an uninvited visitor who came and shared the words of Jesus with us.

The visitors drew the attention of everyone in the compound to watch the JESUS Film. It was a great moment in my life. I recovered something important that was lost in my life as I listened to Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the sower. The seed that fell among thorns: the third soil, and was choked by life’s worries. That was my story.

My honest prayer as I travel this new road is that our good Lord Jesus Christ will help me and my family and restore lasting peace and joy. I request the church to pray for us, that we will be rooted in the Word of God and be like a seed that fell in the fourth type of soil.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa

Flags of the Nations: Denmark

dlsperry94 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 19:17:05 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Denmark

dlsperry94 Tue, 07/15/2025 - 19:17

Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.

This week: Denmark

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Denmark in 1960. Denmark had a population of 5,973,136 in 2024. That same year, Denmark reported one organized Church of the Nazarene, which has 78 total members.

Denmark is part of the Scandinavia district on the Eurasia Region. Sacandinavia is a Phase 1 district.

For more information about the Eurasia Region, visit eurasiaregion.org.

* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

In Memoriam: 11 July 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:18:12 +0000

In Memoriam: 11 July 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 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 from 7-11 July 2025.

V. Muzette Byars, , of Smyrna, Tennessee, passed away 6 July 2025. She was the widow of D. W. Thaxton, a former district superintendent led the South Carolina District from 1952-1958, and the Houston District (Now South Texas District) from 1977 until his death in 1987. He served as a minister in West Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. Muzette was also preceded in death by her second husband, Hobson Byars, who passed away in 2004.

Norma Spear, 92, of Cane Ridge, Tennessee, passed away 28 June 2025. She was the widow of Robert Spear a retired district superintendent who led the Southern Florida District from 1973 until he died in 1994. He served as a minister in Florida. Norma is also the widow of E. Jasper White, a minister who served in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida. Jasper passed away in 1989.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Flags of the Nations: Barbados

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:06:49 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Barbados

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 21:06

This week: Barbados

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Barbados in 1926.

Barbados had a population of 304,139 in 2024. That same year, Barbados reported 33 Churches of the Nazarene, all of which had been officially organized. Barbados has 4,801 total members.

Barbados has one Phase 3 district on the Mesoamerica Region.

For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.org.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

Mesoamerica Region 40 days of prayer culminates on Pentecost

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:45:35 +0000

Mesoamerica Region 40 days of prayer culminates on Pentecost

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 19:45

The Mesoamerica Region has observed a period of spiritual preparation leading up to Pentecost Sunday, known as the 40 Days of Prayer, since 2004. What began in the former MAC Region has become an annual gathering that continues to transform lives.

Over the years, hundreds of Nazarenes from across the region have fervently joined this spiritual journey, seeking to deepen their prayer life and open themselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and 2025 was no exception.

This year's prayer themes were worship, fellowship, discipleship (being like Jesus), ministry, and evangelism. The daily guides were shared through the Mesoamerica Region's social media channels, resulting in a total of 2,753 downloads —a clear demonstration of interest and active participation in this initiative.

"Hundreds of local churches, entire districts, and zones throughout the region joined in this special time of prayer, culminating in united celebrations on the Day of Pentecost," said Ana María Crocker, NMI coordinator for Mesoamerica.

During the final celebrations, the churches gathered to pray, worship, share Communion, listen to the Word of God, and witness to the movement of the Holy Spirit among their congregations.

In the Southern Border District of Mexico, more than 1,400 people gathered at the district camp to close out the event. Missionaries Ana Zoila and Wilfredo Marciaga, touring the region, shared God's message.

Sister Shadia Franco, district NMI president, highlighted how God miraculously provided food for more than 2,000 attendees, despite having only prepared food for 1,400. "It was a powerful experience, both because of the missionaries' visit and because of the way God met our needs," she stated.

The Costa Rica Central District's Pentecost celebration was held at the Nazarene Seminary of the Americas (SENDAS) facilities, with some 725 participants, including 125 children who attended a special children's worship service. Carlos de la Cruz, strategy coordinator for the Central Mesoamerica Field, shared a message.

The Mexico City Eastern District held its closing celebration virtually, with 85 people connecting to pray, worship, and receive the Word.

In the Windward Virgin Islands, believers held a prayer walk, thanking God and sharing their testimonies with those they encountered, inviting them to know Jesus as their Savior.

The El Progreso Church of the Nazarene in Panama visited 26 homes and held fellowship sessions during the 40 days of prayer. They also raised a special offering for the World Evangelism Fund (WEF).

"Many lives were transformed and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and they committed themselves to spreading the message of salvation," concluded Ana María Crocker. "We can only give thanks to the thousands of Nazarenes who joined this powerful time of prayer, praying to God to heal our land."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica

Liberia youth serve community through road clean-up

dlsperry94 — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:36:00 +0000

Liberia youth serve community through road clean-up

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 19:36

After a month-long missions focus, the youth of the Soul Clinic Church of the Nazarene in the Soul Clinic community, near Monrovia, Liberia, gathered on 28 June 2025, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighbourhood.

This idea was born out of discussions in the youth Bible study about "The Missionary Heart of God." One youth said, "Let's not just talk about missions—let's do one!"

The community has suffered in recent years from the deterioration of its infrastructure, but the missions month focused on practical missions outreach, entitled: "Love in Action: Community Road Clean-up." The goal was to transition from merely teaching to actively serving and demonstrating to their community the heart of God.

With prayer and planning, the team identified a need in the church backyard: the blocked community road. The young people boldly organised tools, mobilised youth, informed community leaders, and joyfully cleared the bush and levelled the path, turning a once-avoided area into a usable road. With no outside funding or assistance, the local church and youth did all the work themselves.

The idea was born out of a deep desire to live out the gospel in a practical way. Aiming to restore dignity to the community by rebuilding the abandoned road, the youth wanted to inspire hope, reflect Christ, and engage everyone involved through humble, hands-on service in missions.

The community was overwhelmed with joy. Many stopped to ask, "What kind of people are you?" This simple question allowed the youth to share: "We are followers of Christ, and this is how we love our neighbours."

They didn't just clean a road; they opened hearts. Many community members have since expressed a desire to visit the church and learn more about the "Jesus' kind of love."

The participants found the experience life-changing and want to plan more community-based missions.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa