A New Way to Share the Mission Story
With the launch of a mission Web magazine fast approaching, Mission Connection thought it would be helpful to readers to learn what to expect in the Web
magazine and the process behind the product. We asked a few questions of Gina
Pottenger, managing editor of the upcoming World Mission Web magazine.
Gina, would tell us about your background—both personal and professional—and how your mission passion developed?
I was raised as a Nazarene pastor’s kid in St. Charles, Missouri. My parents
had strong hearts for mission and incorporated mission in our church. When
I was little, missionary Juanita Pate (South Africa—now retired) spoke at our
church. She told how Nazarenes in a part of Africa were suffering through a horrible drought. For months I prayed every night that God would send rain to Africa.
I also wrote to Miss Pate, who sent me postcards telling about her life there.
One day my dad mentioned that the drought-stricken region in Africa had
received rain. He seemed surprised when I burst out crying. But I was overwhelmed that God would answer the prayers of a kid for a faraway place like
Africa. Miss Pate and I kept in contact for some years, and I decided to be a missionary when I grew up.
Later, I became passionate for writing
and storytelling, but I was confused about
what that had to do with mission. I thought
mission was about church planting or
compassionate ministries.
After graduating from Northwest Nazarene University’s English program, I
was hired at a newspaper. I loved meeting people and telling their stories through
the written word and photography.
In 1999, God called me to serve as publicity coordinator at JESUS Film Har-
vest Partners. That’s when I saw how God wanted to use a passion for storytelling to help spread the Good News. From there He has sent me to volunteer at
the Eurasia Regional Office, to a secular newspaper for more writing experience,
and now to the Global Ministry Center to help launch this new mission magazine.
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What is a Web magazine, and how will it differ from other online publications?
When most people think of the word “magazine,” they think of flipping printed
pages. But “magazine” can also refer to a type of content.
The mission magazine will be a Web site format containing magazine-style
content—stories about people, articles delving into our church’s mission strategies, mission book reviews submitted by readers, how-to articles, photo packages, and personal reflection essays. Its target audience is every Nazarene,
especially lay people.
Where NCNNews.com covers breaking news about developments in our
church’s mission efforts, the magazine will dig into these stories to examine more
angles, tap into the heartbeats of the people involved, and explain why we do
what we do in mission.
I think NMI presidents will find the magazine useful as a portal for stories to
promote mission in their churches. They’ll also find links to mission Web sites,
missionary blogs, regional and field newsletters and Web sites, and Nazarene
mission stories we find on the Internet.
Describe the process you and World Mission leaders have experienced to
In short: Two years of research.
We started with a broad proposal including all the technology available, out-
lining how it could be used in a Web-based magazine.
We identified the target audience—laypeople of all ages in local churches
globally with access to the Internet, either directly or indirectly through someone
else.
A development team determined which technologies and features were vi-
able for our purposes.
We conducted surveys through the Research Center at the Global Ministry
Center to learn what content, features, and technologies our audience wanted.
We also talked with mission leaders globally to gather more information about
technologies available to Nazarenes globally and to hone the strategy.
With the strategy finalized, we contracted a firm to develop the Web site.
We expect to launch the magazine in May and to have a grand opening with
an exhibit booth at General Assembly.
How can the magazine help mission passionate people in our churches
globally?
When God calls people to mission, it’s often through the story of another
person obeying a call to mission, such as when I heard Juanita Pate.
convergence
and maturation
of technologies
that didn’t exist
ago, making
amazed at the
a few years
develop the magazine?
“
I have been
Through the magazine, Nazarenes everywhere can share our stories of how
God is involving us in His mission for the world. For instance, I just received an
article from a student about how he and a friend organized a concert to raise
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the magazine
possible.
almost $2,000 for a Nazarene orphanage. A pastor from the Philippines wrote a
personal essay telling how God called him to church planting in Japan.
We want the magazine to serve Nazarenes in passing these stories through-
out our global family.
Those who want to share their stories can do this by signing up on the
magazine Web site as writers. They’ll be able to submit mission articles, personal
essays, and photos about how they are involved in God’s mission individually, as
a family, a church, or a district.
People can also forward inspiring stories to friends, print and share them with
a small group, or read them to the church during a mission moment.
What has surprised you during the process of developing the magazine?
First, the response of so many people saying, “We need this!” I have been
humbled by the number of people expressing enthusiasm for the project.
Second, I have been amazed at the convergence and maturation of technol-
ogies that didn’t exist a few years ago, making the magazine possible. Technologies like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and podcasting enable Nazarenes—who
seem to be the world’s best at grassroots networking—to connect and share our
stories on our own initiative. The Internet is rapidly spreading to new areas in the
world, through Internet cafes, Internet-enabled cell phones, and the like. More
and more Nazarenes globally are getting online for the first time.
The magazine will plug into these networking streams, serving as a conve-
nient entry point to get to mission stories.
How do people subscribe to the Web magazine?
When we release the Web site address in May, we invite people to visit the
site soon thereafter and come back often. They can either bookmark the page
and go back to it as often as they want for new stories, or they may sign up to
receive top headlines from the magazine via e-mail once or twice a month.
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Gina Pottenger
Mission Education—
Back to the Basics
When I first began as the NMI mission education coordinator not too
long ago, I found myself getting back to the basics of why mission education is important. I knew that in order to fulfill my role appropriately, I had to
know why I was here and how my work would make an eternal difference.
Have you ever found yourself in that situation? If so, go back to the basics
with me for a moment.
Why Is Mission Education Necessary?
To begin with, the Church of the Nazarene has an amazing history of
mission. Effective mission education brings awareness to our congregations regarding Nazarene ministries and outreach around the world. It also
informs people of the world’s needs and what Nazarenes are doing to meet
those needs.
But it doesn’t stop there. Mission education encourages people of all
ages to participate in missions themselves—whether through active missions work or by praying for our missionaries (or both).
Where Would We Be Without Mission Education?
As a whole, our church would be disjointed and disconnected, unin-
formed and unaware. Without a formal mission education program, we
would each be at work in our corner of the world without the rest of the
world knowing what amazing things God is doing in and through us.
Also, we would be taking away a prime vehicle through which God
works to prompt men, women, and children to become more involved in
bringing lost people to Him.
As a promoter of Nazarene missions, perhaps you’ve sometimes
wondered, “Why am I doing this?” or “How is this making a difference?” If
so, I hope you are encouraged today. You are a vital link between the work
of the Church of the Nazarene around the world and the person in the pew.
What you are doing is important, and my prayer is that God would bless
you for your commitment to Him.
Aimee Curtis
Mission Education Coordinator
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Without
mission
education,
we would be
disjointed and
disconnected,
uninformed
and unaware.
Books Prompt Evangelism
A lady from our church shared a unique evangelism/outreach
scenario of which I had never heard. She was not attempting to
evangelize, but the Lord used her anyway.
The woman had one of the NMI missions books at work with
the intent of reading during lunch. The specific book was on our
Nazarene missions work in South America. One of her coworkers
is from Uruguay and asked if she could read the book. The church
member loaned it to her. Soon another coworker of South American
heritage asked to read the book. Late last week, the woman from
church laid the book on her desk; when she went to get it to read
over the weekend, it was gone. Another South American had picked
it up and taken it home!
These coworkers are asking about the work of the Church of the
Nazarene in their home countries. They are very interested in their
families finding our church in their homelands. The church member
asked me if we had any old missions books about South America
laying around here at the church somewhere. I spent part of my
Monday morning sorting through old books.
The Lord said He would build His Church, and I guess even be-
ing a continent away will not stop Him!
Steve Cecil
Lehigh Acres, Florida
Which Is “Your” Country?
I wanted to educate the people in my church on the size of
Nazarene missions and the Church of the Nazarene globally.
I mounted a large world map on foam core. On the back I put
“Where in the World Are Nazarene Missionaries?” Then I gave a
mission point to each person who guessed one of the world areas in
which the Church of the Nazarene has a presence and allowed that
person to put a star on the world area. (I got a list of the world areas
from the NMI Web site.*)
The activity tied in beautifully with our NMI missions books this
year because every book had a map of the region and the world
areas of that region. If someone had trouble guessing, I just handed
them a book.
People were amazed that we were in so many world areas, and
they told others which was the stars was on “their” country (the one
that person named). People who normally wouldn’t read a missions
book came to the table and talked about missions and “their” country.
Marie Perez
Los Angeles District
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*To locate the list, go to
www.nazarenemissions.org,
click on “Local Presidents”
then on “World Area List”.
Why We Do What We Do!
This letter is a testimony about the way God is working through
Nazarene World Missions to bless my parents’ lives.
My parents are James and Loretta Cardwell of Charleston, West
Virginia. They are 85 years old and attend South Charleston First
Church of the Nazarene, where my mother is a member.
My mother has been a deeply committed Christian for many
years and was earlier very active in her local church at the time, Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene. She served on the Church Board,
taught Sunday School, enjoyed Women’s Ministries, and in many
other ways served her Lord.
With my father, she raised six children, all of whom
are in the Church today. However, as is typical in some
families, my father never went to church with us. He was
busy “making a living” but did not take time or attention
for his own faith life—until now. And that’s where the
blessing comes in.
For several decades, my mother has been losing
her sight to macular degeneration. Now, she is unable to
read, which has cost her one of her chief joys, studying
the Bible and reading religious literature. She has compensated in many ways, but in the past year or so has
come the sweetest compensation of all: now my father
reads to her what she can no longer read for herself. His
eyesight is as strong as ever, and his voice is good. So he reads to
the woman he loves what he would not read for himself—the Bible,
her Sunday School lessons, and, most recently, your “missionary
books.” And those are proclaiming the Gospel to him.
“God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform,” Mother
says. So I am writing to thank you. I have some idea of what it costs
a denomination to continue creating, publicizing, and distributing print
materials. That you continue to pay that cost blesses my parents and
me. May God richly bless you in return.
Beverly Cardwell DeBord
Springfield, Ohio
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2009-2010 NMI Missions Books
for Adults and Youth
From Main Street to Managua:
Stories of Volunteer Missionaries*
Carol Anne Eby
The Church of the Nazarene has raised up volunteers to help
build the kingdom of God around the world. Known as Mission Corps,
they consist of men and women of all ages who leave home and family, businesses and responsibilities, even rocking chairs and retirement to follow God’s leading. If you listen closely, perhaps you’ll hear
God calling your name to step into the adventure of volunteer missions.
My Bengal of Gold:
The Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh*
Dorli Gschwandtner
Bangladesh, one of the world’s poorest nations, is a place where
serving God sometimes means suffering. Yet in the midst of hardship, Bangladeshi Nazarenes love their neighbors to Christ. After
only 15 years of ministry, hundreds of Nazarene churches exist with
thousands of members. Discover Bangladesh—a country full of poverty, suffering, and fear, yet also full of joy, happiness, and peace.
Smoke That Thunders:
Lessons from the Heart of Africa*
Gary D. Sidle
Journey with the Sidle family on their adventures during their first
term of service in Africa. Half the congregation walked out when he
began his first sermon in Zambia, and he nearly collapsed during his
first Zambian funeral. A rescue vehicle arrived just in time to pull his
van out of the sand. Read the many lessons this courageous family
learned as they traveled to Africa in obedience to God’s call.
*Youth Books
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Strangers No More:
Welcoming Immigrants in North America
Aimee Curtis
Nazarenes in North America reach out in love to immigrants.
Sometimes it is by providing food or clothing; other times it is by offering employment assistance, spiritual guidance, or English classes.
Whatever the means, caring Nazarenes often serve as the intermediaries between immigrants and their new home. Savor these stories of
hope, compassion, and courage . . . then listen for that Voice calling
you to reach out to immigrants.
Under the Ombú Tree
Fletcher L. Tink
The ombú tree is simply an overgrown shrub rising into the air.
It does not grow elegantly; rather its multiple trunks twist and turn,
wrestling like giant boa constrictors. Like this tree, the Church of
the Nazarene has proved its longevity in South America. Its protective reach goes far, and its hospitality is generous and genuine.
The “trunks” of the denomination are thick with intertwining cultural
origins.
Why This Road?
The Carolyn Myatt Story
Betty Howard
Widowed on her honeymoon, Carolyn Myatt struggled with her
relationship with God and with understanding His ways. Tenderly and
gently, God led her back to himself and called her to be a medical
missionary. Carolyn accomplished tremendous things, including initiating the Community Based Health Care program in both India and
Papua New Guinea. While the road on which God has led her has
sometimes been rocky, Carolyn knows God’s call has sustained her.
Note: Since Mission Connection magazine is now sent electronically,
the reading chart for the adult/youth books and the bookmarks are
packaged with the adult missions books.
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9
On Praying
Ways to Pray
As an artist and musician, I love to sing my prayers. Others may need
silence to “pray whisper” with moving lips like Hannah did in the Old
Testament.
We do not need props to pray. When faith is in place, so is grace. God’s
Word says, “Morning, noon and night, I cry to the Lord in my distress and He
hears my voice” (Psalm 5:17).
However you pray, pray! Yes, the hardest thing about praying is
praying.
Creating a Prayer Room
The following ideas may spur creativity to listen
to and talk with the Ultimate Creative Creator in
a location where all the senses are engaged:
•
A
rt Work—Consign lovely art from a local
Christian bookstore, i.e. a picture of Jesus
kneeling and washing a tired businessman’s
feet. Add 15 pairs shoes clustered on floor, an
antique wash basin with pitcher and water, and
a white towel draped over the edge of the basin.
Nearby, place a note with the following words:
“Would you let Him?” or “Who needs you to do this
•
•
for them?”
R
ope—Hang a three-stranded braid of rope or cord with Ecclesiastes
4:12 printed on it and “How goes your marriage?”
P
lants—Display soil cascading (on plastic) with pots, a small garden
shovel, a real plant, seeds scattered around, and even a weed. Use
the scripture from the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) with question
“Where are you sowing?”
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•
G
olden Bowl—Paint an inexpensive bowl with gold spray paint. It
represents the collective incense of prayer rising up to God (Revelation
5:8). Place it on a white column draped with royal purple material. Add a
crown, a cross, an open Bible, a battery-powered candle (to avoid open
flame), communion cup/bread, etc. Cards with prayer requests written on
them are placed in the bowl to invite intercessors. Place blank cards and
•
pens nearby.
C
hildren’s Section—Place an inflated globe close to the floor, so
children touch a country and pray for kids there to have protection, faith, food, education, hope, etc. Have paper hands cut
out for children’s names to be added (“Kyle prayed for Guatemala,” “Shannon prayed for Thailand”). Tape the paper
•
hands on the globe or on a flat map.
P
raise Roll—Place a roll of paper (like freezer paper or larger) on a table with markers, pens, pencils, and paint for “Print
the PRAISE.” Invite praying worshipers to draw, write, and
create their prayers like calligraphist Timothy Botts. (Caution: be
•
•
•
sure the table is covered, so ink or paint will not leak through.)
B
ackground Music— Set a CD to play in the background on a continuous loop. Soft music without lyrics is soothing.
Lighting—Stage several lamps for ambiance.
“ Wailing Wall”—Focus spotlights on a “wailing wall” where paper is
available to write prayers. Ideally, the “wall” is made of something that
has cracks and crevices in which people leave requests. Post answered
•
prayers on a corkboard nearby.
M
usic Section—Display hymnal and worship songs to be played on
musical instruments (also set out). Place music score paper nearby to
•
•
encourage new music and lyrics like Psalm 33 suggests.
T
eens Section—Let them engage with each other and create their
“sacred space.”
O
ther Items—Fabrics, seeds, Kleenex for tears, kneeling bench,
artifacts from other nations, crayons, books and famous quotes on
prayer, maps, glue, clay (“You are the Potter, and I am the clay”) are
just a few materials that will stir the praying heart.
Remember, you are the best prop. Position yourself to seek your Creator
God and find all you need in Him.
Take hope from my song “Prayer, a Holy Mystery” about the Sovereign
Spokesman, for I am ‘the simple sojourner’ learning to pray just like you.
Carol Ketchum
General Assembly and Conventions
Prayer Room Coordinator
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Prayer, A Holy Mystery
Prayer, a holy mystery, mortal flesh, bended knee
Spoken soft or spoken loud, to unseen Abba in the cloud.
Spirit take now what we pray, intercede for mortal clay
Purposeful, Sovereign ear, in Your time, make it clear.
Prayer, a discipline in time, still and quiet, Christ to find
To master body, train the soul, our spirit is restored to whole.
Drawn by love, comfort sent; much taller stance when knee is bent
Child heart, boldly ask; held by hope, no pretense mask.
Prayer, a stable force in storm, God at work, faith is formed
Shepherd rod, guiding light, Holy help to what is right.
Spirit take now what I pray, intercede for mortal clay
Blessed Christ, Holy Brace, Stable One, Timely Grace.
Chorus Hesitate no more my friend, speak to Him what’s within,
Don’t despise what drives you to your knees
Don’t despise what drives you to your knees.
_____________________________________
Carol Ketchum—December 2001—Cantu, Italy
Key Bb - singing range/ Publishing key D
This song was inspired by a quote I heard years
ago on a Christian broadcast. Dr. Pat Robertson interviewed an esteemed
personal friend of his about the man’s journey with cancer. The man, I
recall, was from Portland, Oregon who quoted his godly Mother regarding
his affliction and pending death. I haven’t forgotten it: “Son, don’t despise
what drives you to your knees.” This song is my style of a quiet hymn in
haiku.
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Podcast Series: Urban Pastor Deirdre Brower Latz
Pastor Deirdre Brower Latz joined the Longsight (England) Church of the Nazarene
nearly 10 years ago. The church had seen several difficult years and had become, as Latz describes, “despairing.”
But the pastor had a vision of team ministry and community presence that
would breathe new life into the church. Latz is now the leader of the ministry
team in Longsight. The congregation has a vibrant and dynamic presence in
the community and would be described as anything but despairing.
The following is an excerpt from a four-part podcast series for the Global
Mission Conference in which Latz discusses the journey her church took as
they learned to love the community and world around them.
NMI: Are there any fun examples that you would be willing to share with us
about things that have gone disastrously wrong?
Deirdre Brower Latz: Oh, I could read off a list. When we started a youth club,
we ran it for four or five months without any young people coming. We’ve
put up hanging baskets repeatedly outside the church, and they are always
stolen. You try and things go wrong, and you think, “Oh well, that wasn’t so
good. What could we do differently next time? Why didn’t it work? Did we
not think it through enough?”
We just hired a local woman to run a kind of Compassionate Ministries. She’s
come into the church through our walking around on the streets. We’re saying to her,
“Rachel, don’t worry if things go badly, badly wrong, because actually, you know, after
five months of opening a youth club and no young people coming, suddenly we had
20. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It just happens like that and so you’ve just got
to be prepared to dig your heels in and stick it out really.” We’ve always kind of failed
forward. I don’t know who said that, but we’ve kind of taken that on board.
NMI: So, somehow in your openness to failure, you’ve stumbled across some successes
along the way, it sounds like.
Deirdre Brower Latz: Yeah, or the failures have taught us things about ourselves and
why we were doing things. Yeah, it’s interesting, because it’s very stereotypical things
that churches are supposed to do. And we are not a stereotypical church. Typically
we failed then, and then we have asked ourselves, “Well, why were we doing this?
Why were we so uncreative, because God is creative? So, why didn’t we use our
imagination, be released and be liberated, and do things in a new way?”
To listen to this interview via podcast or others in the series,
go to www.globalmissionconference.org and click on “Media.”
Shawna Songer Gaines
NMI Communication Coordinator
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“
The failures
have taught
us things
about
ourselves and
why we were
doing things.
Deirdre
Brower Latz
Buddy Plan Giving
Most delegates outside the U.S.A./Canada must cover a large portion of their costs
for airfare, lodging, and food from personal funds. The Buddy Plan assists these NMI
delegates with additional support. Depending on the amount given, we also hope to assist
some non-delegate emerging leaders from nations outside U.S.A./Canada who partici-
outside the
pate in the NMI convention. They will receive no allowance from their district.
Thank you to those churches who have participated. If your church has not yet given,
please consider doing so soon.
3,498.70
Canada Atlantic
USA North Central
USA Southeast
7,542.37
Dakota
1,080.00
Alabama North
975.00
Iowa
1,410.00
Alabama South
600.00
5,629.58
Central Florida
150.00
for airfare,
lodging, and
1,156.20
Canada Pacific
987.50
Joplin
Canada Quebec
81.00
Kansas
1,274.00
Canadian Executive
Board
USA Central
11,945.16
East Tennessee
Kansas City
1,061.99
Georgia
1,500.00
Minnesota
1,000.30
Kentucky
1,025.00
Missouri
1,000.00
Mississippi
Nebraska
425.00
North Carolina
4,488.05
South Carolina
Chicago Central
Eastern Michigan
Illinois
Alaska
Indianapolis
2,494.98
Michigan
Northeastern Indiana
Northern Michigan
500.00
Southern Florida
1,388.05
2,500.00
Intermountain
1,500.00
1,500.00
Northwest
USA Southwest
1,430.37
Oregon Pacific
Anaheim
500.00
Arizona
3,931.25
2,006.81
Washington Pacific
Tennessee
Rocky Mountain
Southwest Indiana
1,113.00
Wisconsin
500.00
1,100.00
USA South Central
Los Angeles
New Mexico
682.04
Northern California
5,793.11
750.00
Central Ohio
2,573.00
North Arkansas
2,250.00
Sacramento
East Ohio
1,449.00
Northeast Oklahoma
1,500.00
Southern California
Eastern Kentucky
1,000.00
Northwest Oklahoma
2,506.81
Southwest Latin
American
North Central Ohio
1,869.90
South Arkansas
5,318.00
Southwest Native
American
South Texas
1,800.00
Western Latin America
Southeast Oklahoma
1,008.00
Southwest Oklahoma
875.00
Texas-Oklahoma Latin
150.00
West Virginia North
718.05
West Virginia South
West Texas
315.00
Metro New York
679.00
Mid-Atlantic
280.00
New England
1,337.79
Philadelphia
1,684.45
Pittsburgh
Upstate New York
Virginia
76.00
2,000.00
693.35
100.00
250.00
Report reflects giving from July 1,
2005–March 18, 2009.
1,969.52
8,311.95
Maine
862.14
4,450.00
Louisiana
2,159.15
460.80
21,903.33
9,769.10
Southwestern Ohio
13,329.34
Central California
USA East Central
Northwestern Ohio
2,307.37
Hawaii Pacific
Dallas
USA Eastern
985.00
Colorado
Northwest Indiana
Northwestern Illinois
USA Northwest
Thank you to those churches
who have participated. If your church
has not yet given, please consider
doing so soon.
1,322.36
14
of their costs
food from
personal funds.
North Florida
400.00
large portion
11,606.87
Canada Central
Canada West
U.S.A./Canada
must cover a
Buddy Plan Giving by District
Canada
Most delegates
2009-2010 NMI Missions Books
for Children
All-Reader Books (grades 1 through 6)
The Yellowhorse Discovery by Tami Brumbaugh—a story based on the
author’s experiences while living on the campus of the Nazarene Indian Bible
College.
After the father of Aaron and Jodi Yellowhorse became a Christian, he
moved his family from the Navajo Reservation to the Nazarene Indian Bible
College so he could attend classes. When a Work & Witness team arrived at
the college to build the family of nine a home, Aaron and Jodi became curious. They met Brandon, the youngest member of the team, who helped them
discover that Jesus is for kids too.
A Stranger at the Gate by Judi Wiegman—a story based on an incident that
took place in Iraq in 2003.
When Akmed was taken from his parents to a boys’ prison, he found a
friend named Hadi. The boy told him about a stranger who sat at their prison
gate every day. After the boys were rescued, they met the stranger—a pastor.
He told Akmed he was there to fulfill a promise made to his parents before they
went missing during the war. The pastor helped Akmed learn about Jesus, who
gave him peace and a new hope of finding his parents.
Aunts and Uncles Everywhere by Amy and Bradley Crofford—a story that
gives an MK’s perspective of what it is like to vacation on the mission field.
When Bradley’s parents were missionaries in Benin, they decided to take
a vacation through Africa to Europe. But unlike Bradley’s friends, who went
on vacations to see relatives, Bradley went to visit other missionaries and
Nazarene church friends who become like family. Bradley called them “aunts”
and “uncles.” He discovered that he had “aunts” and “uncles” everywhere!
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Advanced Books (grades 4 through 6)
Under Attack! by Cheryl Crouch—a story about Rev. Kim Singson, the only
female district superintendent in India.
Rev. Kim Singson made her decision to follow Christ at the age of nine.
Years later, she served alongside her husband in ministry. They planted 38
churches in India before his death in 2001. Kim continued in ministry. One night
terrorists surrounded her home. Instead of panicking, she prayed for them.
They began to weep and confess their sins. Some of the men now attend her
church and have become important partners in ministry.
The Mysterious Red Suitcase by Cisca Ireland-Verwoerd—a series of emails convey facts about missionary life.
Twelve-year-old Sam believed God wanted him to be a missionary; but
he did not understand what “being a missionary” meant until his “wacky” Aunt
Wilma showed up with a mysterious red suitcase. Aunt Wilma was on furlough
and on a mission to set her nephew straight about missionary life. Through
a series of e-mails to his friend Josh, Sam shared his adventures of learning
about how missionaries live and about his decision to become a missionary.
The Secret of High Horse Castle by Matt Price—a story based on actual
events and places, giving a glimpse of the ministry in today’s Europe.
Lucas and Franco lived in a small town in the French Alps. Although they
were from different cultures, they had something in common—the desire for
adventure. One day while exploring the forest trail that led to an ancient castle,
the boys encountered a mysterious stranger on horseback. In their quest to
discover the stranger’s identity and the castle’s secret, Lucas and Franco
learned the secret of being witnesses for Christ.
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GOL 2010 Project
What is the GOL 2010 Project? Simply put, it’s a worldwide evangelism
strategy for the Church of the Nazarene associated with the World Cup
soccer event being hosted in South Africa in May and June 2010. The
project name is “gol,” an internationally understood term related
to soccer. In English, we know it as “goal.”
How can soccer be a worldwide evangelism tool and
strategy? Nearly every country and nationality can tell you
what a soccer ball is, what it’s for, and how one plays with
it. However, the Evangelism Ball takes the game of soccer
to another level, one that can have eternal results.
Widely known as “the ball of many colors,” these
evangelistic soccer balls are perfect tools for children’s
and youth ministries around the world. Each color on the
ball represents an important part of the story of the
Gospel—gold represents God, black–sin, red–the blood of
Christ, white–Christ’s cleansing power, and green–growth.
Plans are in progress to supply children/youth soccer
camps with the evangelism soccer balls. The soccer camps will
take place around the world throughout 2010. Donations will
specifically fund the purchase of more than 10,000 soccer balls,
shipping costs for them, and other camp costs, such as a JESUS film
showing and a personal hacky sack for each participant.
GOL 2010 is aimed at “making Christlike disciples in the nations.”
Join us on our mission to bring the Good News and soccer balls to children and youth all over the world.
This is a great project to get the youth in your local church involved
in! It’s a perfect way for NMI to partner with NYI. Why not work with your
local NYI leadership and sponsor an entire soccor camp!
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Cost Breakdown
•
$5—One participant in camp plus hacky sack, JESUS film showing,
and use of a soccer ball at camp
•
$50—One team plus hacky sack, JESUS film showing, and use of a
aimed at “making
soccer ball at camp
•
$100—Two teams plus hacky sack, JESUS film showing, and use of
a soccer ball at camp
•
GOL 2010 is
$350—One camp includes 5 soccer balls, hacky sack for each
participant, JESUS film showing, plus $25 for shipping charges
If you would like to make a donation or to receive more informa-
tion, please visit the Jesus for a New Generation GOL 2010 giving page
or e-mail [email protected]. The giving page is at www.nyitoday.org.
Under “Jesus for a New Generation,” click on “Sponsor a Project!” When
that page comes up, click on the “Sponsor a Project” tab, and type “GOL
2010” in the Search box. Click on the “Available” link at the far right.
Jon Livengood
NMI GenNEXT Coordinator
18
Christlike disciples
in the nations.”
Africa Nazarene University Luncheon
Scheduled at General Assembly
continue to tell the story of a serious problem with a simple
solution.
Africa Nazarene University (ANU) will host a luncheon
Go to www.caribnaz.org/hwp_pics to download the
at General Assembly. The luncheon will be from noon to
video in English, Spanish, or Creole or see it on YouTube at
2 p.m., June 27, in the Grand Ballroom A at the Rosen Cen-
www.youtube.com/watch?v=raKyKAlq5_s.
tre.
Helstrom ([email protected] or 360-481-4989)
Letters of Invitation for Non-delegate Emerging Leaders to Orlando
soon. Yvonne will notify attendees any changes or other
information needed.
may receive a visa letter of invitation to attend the Global
Mission Conference. The procedure below will assure your
Those interested in attending, please notify Yvonne
Cost for the luncheon will be $39.00 (includes tips and
Anyone from a world region, who is not a delegate,
taxes), and payment is due to Yvonne Helstrom by May 15.
non-delegate of receiving a visa letter of invitation and al-
Helstrom will notify participants where to send checks when
low the emerging leader’s participation.
they contact her about attending.
1. Fill out the General Assembly Visitor Form—available
No tickets will be sent to participants. Those who have
notified Helstrom about attending and have paid to attend
from the Regional General Assembly Coordinator
will receive name tags that will allow them entrance to the
(RGAC) in each regional office—and return to the
luncheon.
RGAC. 2. The regional director provides his signature of approval
Please notify Helstrom of e-mail address changes, so
she can contact you with future messages.
on the visitor form.
3. The RGAC enters the visitor’s name in the General
Haiti Water Project Report
Assembly registration and forwards the visitor form
electronically to the General Assembly Arrangements
soon for a few more water wells in the Jacmel area (on
Office at the Global Ministry Center.
Haiti’s southern peninsula). The survey work started in
4. The registration is verified with the visitor form by the
early April, so three new wells will soon follow. One of the
General Assembly delegate assistant at the Global
wells is in an area where people currently have to walk one
Ministry Center and a visa letter of invitation is generat-
hour for water, and the others are in surrounding communi-
ed. The visa letter process may take up to two weeks
ties where any water (let alone clean water) is also difficult
from the point of verification until it is mailed.
There are presently more than 400 non-delegate
Because of the Haiti Water Project, drilling will begin
to come by.
We also wanted to share a new video put together by
a creative group of friends who were here last week. When
names in the registration process. If visitors follow these
people hear about Haiti on the news, the images are gener-
steps, personnel at the Global Ministry Center can help
ally bleak and hopeless. What we wanted to show instead
was the hope that we’ve found here. “These Hands” high-
“Thank you for putting Mission Connection magazine
lights glimmers of that hope found in this beautiful place
online. I have gleaned so much information from it. It is
and its beautiful people. Many thanks to Raul Justiano,
so wonderful to have the information at my fingertips.
Carolyn Snell, Katherine Woodruff, and Rachel Henderson
Again, thank you!”
for their work on the images, and a very special thanks to
Janice Evans
Jeff King for the original music.
Port St. Joe, Florida Please pass along “These Hands” as a way to help us
19
World Mission DVD Arrival and Information
them. The RGAC is the key person, the visitor’s advocate
on the region, to begin the process. To try to request a
Your church’s World Mission DVD should have arrived
visa letter of invitation without the RGAC’s assistance and
by the first week of April. Also, on the NMI site, in the NMI
without the regional director’s signature only delays the
Resources section, under World Mission DVD on the left
process.
menu, is a new page with a description of all the video
segments on Volume 2-2009. The title of each segment is
Prayer Strategy for General Conventions and
Assembly
a link to the Media Library from which that segment can be
downloaded.
Global NMI Director Daniel Ketchum sends his thanks
to mission leaders for praying and encouraging others to
Facebook Members, Join the World Mission
Broadcast Game
pray for the Global Mission Conference in June. He says,
“Prayer is the major key for continuing Book-of-Acts move-
ments in the Holy Spirit globally.”
there is a World Mission Broadcast (WMB) fan page on
Ketchum acknowledges that leaders are participating
Facebook. If you are a member of Facebook, go to www.
in strategic intercession through Million Hours of Prayer.
facebook.com/pages/Lenexa-KS/World-Mission-Broad-
See NMI Web site <www.nazarenemissions.org>, click on
cast/47535197359 and become a fan of WMB.
“Praying,” then “Million Hours of Prayer” for resources.
Many NMI members and leaders may realize that
Leaders and churches are now invited to pray during
The WMB Team has created the new “WMB Game” on
that page. See how well you do at naming the languages of
the hours of a specific day of the conventions and assem-
WMB broadcasts. The game is at this link: www.facebook.
bly as noted below.
com/note.php?note_id=74956263880.
•
South America and Southwest U.S.A. Regions—
Wednesday, June 24
Japan Gives for Global Ministry Center
Mexico/Central America and Southeast U.S/A.
Regions—Thursday, June 25
recently that the Japan District reported surpassing
Eurasia and South Central U.S.A. Regions—
their giving goal for the Global Ministry Center of 12 mil-
Friday, June 26
lion yen. Offerings are reported totaling 12,011,920 yen
Caribbean and Northwest U.S.A. Regions—
(US$123,104.48) in today’s exchange rate. It is noted that
Saturday, June 27
the currency of Japan has changed from two years ago
Canada and North Central U.S.A. Regions—
when the goals were set.
Sunday, June 28
Asia-Pacific and Eastern U.S.A. Regions—
pointed out, this is very significant giving.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Asia-Pacific Regional Director Verne Ward announced
The Japan District has 4,400 members, so, as Ward
Monday, June 29
Africa and East Central U.S.A. Regions—
Mission Connection • April 2009
Tuesday, June 30
WM Focus Team, NMI Office Team, and
Central U.S.A. Region—Wednesday, July 1
“Let’s ask and trust God to direct all decisions, to
Daniel D. Ketchum
Global NMI Director
Darryl G. Bennett
Technical Designer
Gail L. Sawrie
Editor
NMI • Church of the Nazarene
17001 Prairie Star Parkway • Lenexa, KS 66220
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.nazarenemissions.org
protect each participant, and to manifest His authentic
presence,” says Ketchum. “In times like these, we must
Member Evangelical Press Association.
not settle for merely another international gathering. We
Mission Connection is an idea exchange for NMI leaders.
It is not copyrighted; please feel free
to copy any portion of this periodical.
sincerely, urgently, even desperately, desire a genuine,
fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will transform each
of us present in Orlando and all of us who pray around the
Our Mission
To mobilize the church in mission through praying,
discipling, giving, and educating.
world.”
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