Church of the Nazarene

ROAM Volunteers impact nazarene camps, compassionate ministries projects

dlsperry94 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:29:46 +0000

ROAM Volunteers impact nazarene camps, compassionate ministries projects

dlsperry94 Fri, 09/27/2024 - 15:29

For over 20 years, Nazarene lay people have volunteered their time with RVs on a Mission (ROAM), serving across the United States at Nazarene campgrounds, churches, and compassionate ministries projects.

ROAM was organized in 2003 by a group of Nazarenes who had served with non-denominational organizations and felt led to start an organization to do similar work for the Church of the Nazarene. According to Ruth Kile, a volunteer with ROAM, there are 43 active projects across 24 states.

Projects can range from serving at a Nazarene campground to pitching in on disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane and tornado devastation. Kile says tasks include helping with construction, renovation, and grounds maintenance at camp, as well as food service and working in thrift shops. If volunteers have physical limitations, ROAM will happily accommodate and find appropriate tasks.

“The volunteers enjoy devotions and worship services together, potlucks, game nights, and sightseeing,” Kile said. “We quickly become family.”

Projects provide full hook-ups for the RVs of ROAM volunteers. Some campgrounds offer onsite lodging in apartments or cabins for those who do not have an RV.

Camp ministry and meetings have long been an important part of the Church of the Nazarene. There are currently more than 40 operating campgrounds owned by the Church of the Nazarene in the United States, some of which utilize ROAM for volunteer work and service on site.

One of those campground projects is the Salyer Lake Conference & Retreat Center in Minco, Oklahoma.

Salyer Lake is one of the newer Nazarene campgrounds, starting in 1996. Camp Director Ken Hembree has been at Salyer Lake since 2007 and says he’s had three to four groups of volunteers with ROAM yearly.

“They bring their expertise, and their willingness to work has helped us in everything,” Hembree said. “Some of them have expertise in [construction] trades, and that’s a great blessing. I’ve got one couple; they’re both retired chemists and are just willing to do whatever‘s asked, from planting flowers to washing dishes, organizing the maintenance barn...”

Kile says volunteers work in shifts, four days a week, for six hours at a time, with some variation depending on whether they are traveling with family or friends.

Hembree says that now that Salyer Lake’s traditional camp season is over, camp groups attend on the weekends, and ROAM volunteers will help out then, too, instead of during the week.

“It’s wonderful having people that desire to do ministry, probably different than they’ve ever done it, but in their later years in life,” Hembree said.

Salyer Lake’s size and newness mean the staff don’t have as much support as some of the larger Nazarene camps. Hembree said the support from ROAM volunteers means they can run self-supported, which is a benefit to the sustainability of Salyer Lake.

A sustainable financial future means that places like Salyer Lake can continue to be a place where students and adults alike may find salvation and grow closer to God through camps and retreats.

“For a start-up like ourselves, we struggle with staff because we don’t have the financial backing and the facilities to host multiple groups at a time,” Hembree said. “Having people willing to pitch in and do anything has been an incredible advantage.”

Missions trip in Brazil brings holistic care to more than 500

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:46:25 +0000

Missions trip in Brazil brings holistic care to more than 500

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/26/2024 - 20:46

Between August 17-24, 2024, the Igreja do Nazareno Nova Europa in Campinas, São Paulo, and the Igreja do Nazareno de Fartura in Piauí organized a missions trip to benefit the community of Piauí in the Sertão backlands with various services, including medical, spiritual, and social care.

Through the Church of the Nazarene's commitment to missionary work, a team of volunteer professionals, consisting of doctors, dentists, nurses, logistical support, and children's ministry workers, was sent.
More than 500 people were reached through consultations and pastoral visits.

The services provided were as follows:

Medical/gynecological Care: 244
Surgical procedures: 19
Nursing care: 445
Dental care: 182
Child and youth care: 138
Haircuts: 102
Distribution of basic food baskets: 95

Pastor Antonio Marcos, assistant pastor of Nova Europa and one of the team's volunteers, believes all people can experience the blessing of lives through service.

"The union of God's people, the body of Christ, benefited more than 500 people,” he said. “The missions trip was a milestone in the lives of those who served but also proof of what is possible when we decide to step out of our comfort zone to help those most in need."

According to Marcos, the community of Piauí in Brazil has great needs in many areas. There is a lack of drinking water and basic sanitation, and not many churches are there to help address these issues on a larger scale.
"We generally work in partnership with health professionals," Marcos said. "Some are from the church, and others are invited to join."

They have opened clean water wells and raised a team of health workers to assist with their sertão trips. He hopes other churches can find their communities' needs and act similarly.

"The church was built to serve," Marcos said. "And God has already given us the abilities to carry out the same works he did, and more."

Superintendents' retreat offers renewal, growth in Guatemala

dlsperry94 — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:19:35 +0000

Superintendents' retreat offers renewal, growth in Guatemala

dlsperry94 Tue, 09/24/2024 - 22:19

Superintendents and spouses from 17 districts of the North Central Field in the Mesoamerica Region (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras) met in Guatemala City to participate in the spiritual retreat Plantados (Planted).

The 3-5 September event aimed to strengthen leadership and foster unity. Inspired by Psalm 92:13, the retreat offered a space for spiritual renewal and personal growth.

"It was a special time for us in the recent assignment as superintendent of the western district of Guatemala," said Lauro Santiago.

General Superintendent Christian Sarmiento gave a teaching on the importance of remaining in love and holiness, emphasizing that true unity is found in being "planted" in the excellent work of God. Carlos Sáenz, director of the Mesoamerica Region, shared valuable reflections on the importance of cultivating a strong devotional life and caring for physical and emotional health.

"It was a special time where the ministers took a break from their activities," said North Central Field Strategy Coordinator Carlos Cordero. "We had times of fellowship among colleagues, blessed conferences for couples, and special sessions for women. Ministering to these leaders enhances their abilities to serve the more than 110 churches in our field."

The regional coordinators of the Family Care ministry, Irene and Miguel Garita, offered topics for couples and ministerial families.

The wives of the superintendents also had a memorable time with Nancy Cordero and Rosa Sáenz, who challenged them to strengthen their faith, affirming themselves in Christ Jesus and thus supporting their husbands in ministry.

"We will continue with these superintendent retreats, and in 2025, national retreats for pastors and wives of our field," Cordero said.

Mongolia holiness gathering equips future generations

dlsperry94 — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:06:12 +0000

Mongolia holiness gathering equips future generations

dlsperry94 Tue, 09/24/2024 - 22:06

The Mongolia District gathered for its 6th annual Holiness Gathering outside Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia, 15-18 August 2024. The Holiness Gathering was a four-day spiritual retreat that gathered Nazarenes from across the district for worship, biblical teaching, and fellowship.

This year, 170 adults, youth, and children gathered in the name of Jesus, exploring how they are invited into God’s story and being equipped to share their own stories of God’s transforming grace with others. They experienced the “Living Water” together—the infilling of the Holy Spirit—as they studied the story of the Samaritan women’s encounter with Jesus in John 4. Speakers reminded attendees that no matter their current situation, Jesus is making himself available —the Living Water, who satisfies, cleanses, and sends people to communities to share about the Lord.

People experienced many moments of breakthrough and transformation as God worked among them, like one young girl learning that God loves her and she is not forsaken and a recently widowed women finding acceptance in Christ and the church rather than being subject to addictions. The week of gathering ended with participants committed and commissioned to continually live Christ-centered lives.

More than half of the participants were youth and children. The district sought to intentionally equip the next generation of leaders during the Holiness Gathering. Instead of being the recipients of ministry, they were challenged to join in the ministry.

Partnered with an eight-member Maximum Missions Team, the youths were responsible for planning, leading, and teaching the children. The youth leaders and the Maximum Mission Team arrived a few days early to prepare for the camp and to grow together as a team.

The team experienced a deeper level of God’s love as they worshipped and fellowshipped together. This is a great example of the partnership people enjoy in the Church of the Nazarene.

“My experience joining Maximum Mission in Mongolia has helped me embrace and value other cultures,” said member Girle Ann Dado. “I am amazed by how people worldwide are so diverse and have many differences, yet God loves us all the same. When God is present, people can work together despite their differences.”

Mongolian youth were challenged to go beyond their comfort zone by leading and being the foremost translators. The experience of worship and serving together was moving, and the youth agreed to continue to pursue Christ together.

“I did not think [I could] be [a] translator,” Anu* said. “I was afraid, but God helped me a lot, and I found that it would not be hard work if I fully depended on him. I saw some youths serving [kids wholeheartedly], and their team kids enjoyed [the youth's] caring hearts. I am so happy to be here with all the leaders, and God is leading us to learn more about him. I want to be with youth and leaders for the Mongolian Nazarenes.”

*Full name omitted for privacy

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Kyle Poole appointed superintendent of Kansas City District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:46:26 +0000

Kyle Poole appointed superintendent of Kansas City District

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 21:46

W. Kyle Poole was appointed superintendent of the Kansas City District on 17 September 2024. He has led the Georgia District as superintendent since 2018.

The appointment was made by General Superintendent David Busic in consultation with the Kansas City District Advisory Committee and the Board of General Superintendents.

Poole will replace Eddie Estep, who was appointed the superintendent of the South Central Ohio District. Poole’s appointment is effective 4 November 2024.

Prior to his election to the superintendency of the Georgia District in 2018, Poole served as the lead pastor at Midland Valley Community Church of the Nazarene in Graniteville, South Carolina, a position he held since 2010. Prior to this, Poole served as a minister in Kansas, Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Poole received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in 1991 and his Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1995.

He and his wife reside in Locust Grove, Georgia.

Central Argentine District blesses Paraguay churches through missions trip

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:03:00 +0000

Central Argentine District blesses Paraguay churches through missions trip

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 21:03

Nazarene Missions International of the Central Argentine District organized a missions trip to southern Paraguay to serve and bless the churches there. District leaders hoped a key takeaway for the participants would be significant experiences that awakened calls to go, send, and give so that the mission could continue.

A total of 25 people of different ages from churches across the district lived a cross-cultural service experience that allowed them to learn about Paraguayan culture.

Fabian Carrizo, district NMI president, who coordinated this trip, said: “We believe that through missions experiences like these, people’s lives will be edified, and they will spread to their local churches to continue developing in pursuit of God’s mission.”

Different activities were carried out in the communities of Pilar, Paso Taji, Isla Roy, and Guazucua, including the construction of the wall of the Church of the Nazarene on Isla Roy; evangelism with children through interactive lessons, games, and recreational dynamics; evangelism with adults through compassion strategies and walks; and support for activities planned and organized by local churches.

Ángeles Maldonado, who was part of the missions team, said that his life would not be the same after the trip.

“Learning to give without knowing, stripping myself of my comforts to serve others, like sleeping little and on the floor (with a sleeping bag), eating what they give you with so much love, trying capybara, and being a team without knowing each other [was] the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.”

Estefanía Santillana said the Lord spoke to her personally.

“Everything I experienced day by day was an instruction to prepare me for the missionary call that I have had for years,” Santillana said.

Carol and Luca* said that the missions experience was enlightening for themselves and those they reached.

“Although we left with the desire to be instruments of blessing, we returned home more blessed than we could have ever imagined,” Carol and Lucas said.
*Last name omitted for privacy

--Church of the Nazarene South America

JESUS Film showings lead to life transformation in Africa

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:39:33 +0000

JESUS Film showings lead to life transformation in Africa

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:39

The following two stories are stories of transformation for two individuals thanks to showings of the JESUS film in Zambia and Sierra Leone.

Testimony of Lister Mbewe

Twenty-six-year-old Lister Mbewe was a heavy drinker before she came to know Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. She details her journey to becoming a born-again Christian.

Mbewe operated a small business of selling tomatoes and charcoal at the market, which was thriving. However, over time, her excessive drinking led to the downfall of her business and made her life unbearable.

After being invited by one of her daughters to a screening of the JESUS film, Mbewe had a change of heart. Witnessing the portrayal of Jesus’ suffering moved her deeply, leading her to confess her sins and embrace him in her life.

Mbewe, who had never before attended church services, now regularly participates in and is being discipled through Bible study classes. Her transformation has brought joy to her family, demonstrating the impact of God’s work in her life.

Testimony of Abdul

Abdul, a traditional medicine man in his village in Sierra Leone, would use herbs and leaves to offering healing to people. He was passing by and saw the crowds gathered watching the JESUS film in his language. The message was very clear, and he was captivated by it as he stood to watch the entire film.

Abdul was deeply touched by how Jesus could perform miracles and healings as well as the compassion that Jesus had for everyone. Since he was a traditional healer, this aspect of Jesus’ ministry was powerful to him.

Abdul thought he was powerful in his own strength and knowledge, and he did not treat people who came to see him with the kindness that Jesus did. He knew he was off track in terms of healing and relating to his clients. As he continued to watch, he also realized that, spiritually, he was lost and needed Jesus.

“In all my years of practicing traditional medicine, never have I felt so worried about my spiritual condition,” Abdul said. “At the end of the film, I stepped out and surrendered my life to Jesus. Please pray with me so I will continue to walk with Jesus. I trust that his grace will see me through my new journey.”

To learn more about JESUS Film Harvest Partners, click here.

Bromley District celebrates opening of district center

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:32:07 +0000

Bromley District celebrates opening of district center

dlsperry94 Thu, 09/19/2024 - 20:32

The Bromley District in Papua New Guinea marked a significant moment of progress and community development with the grand opening of its district center on 24 August 2024.

The celebration included the inauguration of the district superintendent’s house, a duplex staff house for Tsingoropa Nazarene Primary School, and three health center buildings featuring an inpatient wing, an outpatient wing, and a staff house.

This event was attended by representatives from Nazarene Health Ministries, Melanesia South Pacific Field office, district superintendents, local Christians, and esteemed guests from the Tsingoropa community in partnership with the Jiwaka Provincial Education Board and Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority.

The gathering not only marked the completion of these vital facilities but also highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication to improving education and healthcare in the area.

In 1960, William Bromley, an early missionary to Papua New Guinea, settled in Tsingoropa, where Bromley established the Church of Nazarene. He used a tiny seed to illustrate his message in his first sermon, showing that a plant would grow and produce fruit when planted. The seed had life in it, yet for many years after his first sermon, William Bromley still had not seen any actual changes in the people’s lives in Tsingoropa.

Bromley fasted and prayed and asked God if he should move to another place, yet God confirmed his calling, and in his seventh year of ministry, the seeds began to bear fruit (Arrows of the Almighty – Story of William Bromley, pg 45).

Today, that seed has borne great fruit, with many saved and an increasing number of Nazarenes throughout Jimi. In honor of the first missionary who served, died, and was buried there, the Church of Nazarene in Jimi is named the Bromley District and headquartered in Tsingoropa.

“We could not have done this without God,” said Bromely District Superintendent Peter Kui. “He gets all the glory and praise! My immediate family members – my wife and children — have been very supportive. My District Advisory Board members, pioneer pastors, the Nazarene church members and family outside of Bromley District, Nazarene Health Ministries, and the Melanesia South Pacific Field office have helped in prayer and generous support in my leadership. I also thank Chief Moun Armar and the wonderful community in Tsingoropa, Middle Jimi Valley. The Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority and Jiwaka Provincial Education Board, we would not have done this without your partnership and tremendous assistance. God bless you all!”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

MVNU appoints new Chief Development Officer

dlsperry94 — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:07:57 +0000

MVNU appoints new Chief Development Officer

dlsperry94 Mon, 09/16/2024 - 22:07

Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Carson Castleman announced the appointment of Brad Kochis as the new chief development officer for the Office of University Advancement. He has previously served the university as the executive director of Alumni Relations and Advancement before taking his current role as the superintendent of the North Carolina District Church of the Nazarene.

“Kochis will be a wonderful addition to the MVNU family, having served the Church for the past 25 years in various roles and most recently as D.S.,” Castleman said. “His skills will be instrumental in engaging the MVNU constituents and establishing an Advancement Office that honors our past while paving the way for a bright future.”

Kochis is an ordained elder with over 27 years of ministry experience that includes service as a youth pastor in churches including Clearfork Alliance Church, Bellville, Ohio; Ashland Plaza Church of the Nazarene, Ashland, Kentucky; Ironton First Church of the Nazarene, Ironton, Ohio; and Gracepoint Church of the Nazarene in Loganville, Georgia.

In 2003, Kochis and his family moved to Ohio to plant a church with the South Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene, where he served as lead pastor at The Refinery Church of the Nazarene in Columbus, Ohio.

The newly created CDO position includes overseeing all donor-related programs and fundraising activities for the university as well as engaging with individual donors, churches, and foundations to support MVNU’s domestic and global ministries. Kochis will also manage a portfolio of significant donors, align their interests with MVNU’s needs, and identify potential new donors.

“MVNU has played a significant role in my life since the earliest days of my faith,” Kochis said. “I’m excited to return and join Castleman and the entire MVNU community in advancing God’s mission through the university.”

Kochis is married to his wife, Melissa, whom he met while studying at MVNU. The couple has two adult children, Nathan and Rachel (Zane) Risser.

Kochis will join MVNU 15 October 2024.

A Year of Great Strides in Nazarene Disability Ministry Resourcing

kensminger — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:12:04 +0000

A Year of Great Strides in Nazarene Disability Ministry Resourcing

I can hardly get my mind wrapped around the fact that it is already September! It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I had a conversation with Scott Rainey about disability ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. God has been so good during this first year. We have made some great strides in making disability ministry resources more accessible to the local church.

Website: We officially launched the Adapted Discipleship Library website in August. If you have not seen or heard about this resource, I will share information in this article about these resources. I will also share the link to the website so you can access the materials directly. There are four sources of tools for equipping the local church for disability ministry found on the Adapted Discipleship Library (training videos, social narratives, classroom tools, and adapted Bible story videos).

Did I mention access to the library is completely free!

Training Videos: This section of the library is focused on providing training to your local church leaders and volunteers. We realize that we don’t know what we don’t know. So the team at Wonderful Works Ministry has put together training videos to help our local churches gain a better context and understanding of disability ministry. These videos cover a wide range of topics and scenarios. There are also videos for recruiting volunteers and how to set your church up for successful ministry. These videos are designed to be short and engaging to provide the local church resources/training needed to be successful in disability ministry.

Social Narratives: This section of the library provides a multitude of social narratives (also referred to as social stories). These narratives are designed to teach individuals about specific situations that occur in the church setting. The narratives will walk through what commonly happens in a specific scenario, behaviors or emotions that are commonly felt in these situations, and proper ways to behave or interact in the scenario. The stories are told from the student’s point of view.

Classroom Tools: This section provides resources such as visual schedules, first/then boards, additional visual aids, and more.

Adapted Bible Story Videos: The Wonderful Works team has created short Bible story videos. These videos use universal design, a process of creating products that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. In short, these universal design videos are helpful for every student but are critical for the success of students with disabilities. The videos are animated, brief, and use multi-sensory storytelling and interactive learning. Included with the videos are adapted discussion questions. These discussion guides come in two levels, one for verbal and one for non-verbal students.

How To: You will also find “How To” or instructional videos in the Adapted Discipleship Library to guide you in the use of the resources that are available.

Check the link to the Adapted Discipleship Library: https://library.wonderfulworksministry.org/

Thank you for praying for Disability Ministry in the Church of the Nazarene! Contact me at rnelson@nazarene.org

kensminger Mon, 09/16/2024 - 21:12

Rev. Ryan Nelson

Disability Ministry Coordinator, Church of the Nazarene