July/August/September - Nazarene Missions International
Transcription
July/August/September - Nazarene Missions International
A Resource Exchange for NMI Leaders Council Input—2 International Ministry, Bible Schools, and Seminaries—4 “Books for Pastors”—5 LINKS—6-7 Alabaster—8-9 Faith Promise—10 State of NMI (Continued)—11 Plugged-In to Kids—12 Wired-Up for Youth—13 “Current” Info—14 Worship Folder Reproducibles—15 State of NMI—Back Cover July • August • September 2005 WHAT’S INSIDE? Hold High the Torch— 90 Years and Counting! A Legacy Article by the late Dr. Mary L. Scott (Adapted) Ninety years ago at the Fourth General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene held in Kansas City in 1915, the torch was handed to NMI. There was no elaborate ceremony or ostentatious display. There was simply a recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Missions (now World Mission Committee of the General Board) that: “Women’s Missionary Auxiliaries be organized in all our churches, where practical, to increase missionary intelligence and assist in raising funds to carry on the missionary work of the church.” 1 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION Continued on page 3 W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G COUNCIL INPUT Prayer In this year of “Empowering the Next Generation,” we must intentionally influence children and youth to be Global Christians. One way we can do this is through prayer. Make a list of children and youth who feel a call of God on their lives and ask adult prayer warriors in the church to adopt one of these young people. Each day pray a different prayer for their spiritual development. • Monday—Pray that they know without a doubt that they are saved and sanctified and that they develop a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. • Tuesday—Pray for them to become prayer warriors, praying for others. • Wednesday—Pray that they learn the joy of sacrificial giving. • Thursday—Pray for them to love to study and apply God’s Word to their lives. • Friday—Pray that they are a good example for Jesus and want to share their faith with others. • Saturday—Pray for them to become knowledgeable about world mission needs. • Sunday—Pray that they will become active in service in the local church and beyond. Prayer warriors should follow the progress of these young people and let them know they are prayed for daily. Intercessors should also tell students that they are interested in their spiritual journey. Gerry Perry Eastern U.S.A. Region General Council Representative Mission Connection Contributor’s Guidelines Mission Connection accepts short articles, drama sketches, display/bulletin board ideas, poems, and reports of activities pertaining to the NMI on the local, district, and general levels. • Promotional pieces on the monthly emphases of NMI are of special interest, as well as ideas for prayer, youth, and children. • Photographs are accepted for Mission Connection. Clear color photos are preferred; however, black and white photos will be considered. Electronic photos must be high resolution (preferably 300 dots per inch) or larger photos at a lower resolution (nothing lower than 126 dots per inch). • Mission Connection reserves the right to edit all material for length and in accordance with the standards of the Church of the Nazarene and NMI policy. The magazine also reserves the right to accept or reject material. • When quoting someone, please name the speaker/writer and the context in which that quote occurred (name of book, article, speaking engagement, etc.) • Because this magazine is an idea exchange, Mission Connection does not pay its writers. Name recognition will be given to individuals writing for the magazine, if it is stated on the submission. • The magazine is not copyrighted, so churches are encouraged to copy material for council members from the Mission Connection; therefore, the writer waives any royalty rights. 2 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G ...continued from cover story July • August • September 2005 Through 90 years the missionary organization has faithfully endeavored to carry out the assignment the church entrusted NINA G. GUNTER to it. The “dustpan brigade” has become an army of well over General NMI Director 800,000 men and women committed to carry out the task. GAIL L. SAWRIE Let us continue to hold high the torch of EDUCATION. Editor No small part of our responsibility is to keep ourselves and MELINDA WOLF MILLER others informed of conditions and urgent needs of the yet Assistant Editor unreached millions, as well as God-given victories in 149 Cover Art: photo.com/ Darlene Filley world areas where Nazarene emissaries are proclaiming the good news of salvation through Christ. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Permission to quote from the following copyrighted versions is acknowledged with appreciation: New King James Version (NKJV). Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. King James Version (KJV) Mission Connection is a quarterly publication of Nazarene Missions International to equip NMI leaders through interaction and resource exchange. Editorial office is at NMI Church of the Nazarene Let us hold high the torch of PRAYER, interceding in public and in private that God will call workers for the harvest field. Through intercession the opposing forces of evil will be defeated by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit and our youth will be challenged to accept God’s call when He asks, “Who will go for us?” May they respond wholeheartedly, “Here am I; send me.” Let us continue to hold high the torch of GIVING. Our time, talent, and treasures will point many to Jesus around the world. God has helped the NMI to raise funds to carry on the work of the church. In 2004 over 45.9 million World Evangelism Fund dollars were given and over $23.9 million more in mission specials sponsored by the NMI. In the uncertain, perilous days ahead, let us continue to give our time, our energies, our prayers, and our resources in fulfilling His commission. Hold high the torch. You did not light its glow— ’Twas given you by other hands, you know. I think it started down the pathway bright The day the Maker said, “Let there be light.” And He once said, who hung on Calvary’s tree, “You are the light of the world...Go...Shine..For Me.” Dr. Mary L. Scott, who as a missionary saw the Bamboo Curtain close China to the remainder of the world, served 25 years as executive secretary (now general director) of the General Nazarene Missions International (NMI) organization. G i v i n g Th r o u g h N M I i n 2 0 0 4 6401 The Paseo Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Kansas City, MO 64131 E-mail: <[email protected]> World Evangelism Fund Member Evangelical Press Association. Work & Witness Mission Connection is not copyrighted; please feel free to copy any portion of this periodical. Other Approved Specials Alabaster World Mission Deputation Broadcast Medical Plan OUR MISSION To mobilize the church in mission through prayer, education, giving, and interactive experiences. JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 3 P R O M O I D E A S INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY BIBLE SCHOOLS & SEMINARIES TO TELL THE TRUTH Cast: (Any combination of male or female guests may be used.) Props: buzzer, desks, and chairs Effect: Sound of a buzzer (Announcer stands by desk and introduces each panelist. Panelists enter and sit as they are introduced.) Announcer: Welcome to To Tell the Truth. Our distinguished panel today is ____________ (example, “church board member, Edward James”). Now, we will introduce our special guest. (Three guests enter.) Announcer: What is your name please? Contestant 1: My name is Juan Diego Martinez. Contestant 2: My name is Juan Diego Martinez. Contestant 3: My name is Juanita Diego Martinez. Announcer: Our panel will determine which of these contestants is the real Juan or Juanita Diego Martinez. Here is the story: “I am a student in South America. Besides the 11 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, there are also 46 institutions of higher education around the world. “While some international students prepare for the ministry, lay persons also attend classes. “Some students live at the schools, but others take extension classes near their homes. “Scholarships are sometimes given to students, but the funds are not as readily available as in the United States and Canada. “Your faithful giving to missions and prayer for international ministry, Bible schools, and seminaries mean so much to me. “Signed Juan or Juanita Diego Martinez” We will start our questioning with (Panelist 1’s name). Panelist 1: Juan 1, what is your major? Contestant 1: I am majoring in ministerial studies in hopes of returning to my country as a pastor. Panelist 1: 2, do you also major in ministerial studies? Contestant 2: Sí. Panelist 1: 3? Contestant 3: Sí. (Buzzer sounds.) 4 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION Announcer: The questioning now goes to (Panelist 2’s name). Panelist 2: 1, do you attend classes at the seminary? Contestant 1: Sí. Panelist 2: What about you, 2? Contestant 2: No. I attend extension classes. (Buzzer sounds.) Announcer: We now go to (Panelist 3’s name). Panelist 3: Juan 1, did you receive a scholarship? If so, tell us about the scholarship program. Contestant 1: Yes, I received a scholarship through the NMI International Student Scholarship Fund. Panelist 3: What about you, 2? Contestant 2: No. Panelist 3: And what about you, 3? Contestant 3: Sí. Panelist 3: 3, would you tell us a little more about... (Buzzer sounds.) Announcer: OK, panelists, it’s now time for you to decide who the real Juan or Juanita Diego Martinez is. (Panelist 1’s name), for whom did you vote? Panelist 1: I voted for 1. He was so knowledgeable. Announcer: And (Panelist 2’s name), what was your decision? Panelist 2: I agree with (Panelist 1’s name). I also voted for 1. Announcer: And now, (Panelist 3’s name), who did you choose? Panelist 3: I thought about voting for 1, but it could be a trick. I voted for 3. Announcer: Now, will the real Juan or Juanita Diego Martinez please step forward?” (They step back and forth; finally 3 steps forward.) Announcer: (Panelist 3’s name), you were correct. Contestant 1, what is your real name? Contestant 1: I’m Peck Gregory, and I’m an out of work actor from Los Angeles. Ms. Martinez provided me with the information I gave, so it is true. Announcer: Contestant 2, what is your real name? Contestant 2: I’m Lee Draino, and I’m a plumber. Announcer: Thank you, Ms. Martinez and gentlemen, for coming today and informing us about international ministries and schools. Dailene Martin Bobbitt • Palmyra, Indiana W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G The NMI 90th Anniversary Project has been extended through 2005-06 in order to respond to the incredible need for resourcing pastors around the world and to accommodate church’s promotional schedules. For more information, visit the NMI Web site <www.nazarenemissions.org/90thanniversary> Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, held a marathon to raise funds for “Books for Pastors—Tools for Ministry.” Students, faculty, and administration walked and ran to the finish line, all to provide resources for pastors around the world. Even some of the Muslim students can be seen participating in the marathon (see photo at left). Let’s join our brothers and sisters worldwide to reach the $3.5 million goal. JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 5 P R O M O I D E A S L I N K S Technology, a Willing Heart, and Gift Cards A district NMI president heard that one of the college-age MKs (missionary kids) was experiencing some difficulties. Linda Phelps, general LINKS coordinator, was contacted to determine the LINKS district of the student’s missionary parents. An e-mail was sent, giving the basics of the need. A woman in another part of the country had done a job for which she expected to be paid $150. She planned to buy some clothes with the money; however, God told her to give the money away instead. The woman heard of the MK’s need and prayed that she would receive the check in time. On her way to the store, she stopped at her mailbox, and the check was there. The woman purchased a gift card from a discount store and a 500-minute phone card so the student could call the missionaries should the student be homesick. As the district NMI president put it, “One little e-mail that basically said, ‘We know of a need. What can be done?’ and two days later a generous gift is in the mail. Incredible! Technology really has helped us come a long way in supporting our missionaries and their families.” The LINKS 12 Days of Christmas Note: This song of thanks for LINKS provides some ideas that you might want to consider. (Be sure and contact the missionaries about items they want/need before buying and sending them.). “Now, for all of you who have a great imagination, our girls came—along with mom to dad—and said, ‘Can we write a song to our LINKS churches for Christmas?’ So, below is what we came up with. Thank you, LINKS churches in West Virginia and New Mexico. Have a Merry Christmas (Happy Christmas in Zambia) and a Happy New Year!” (We hope you get the melody while trying to sing this!) Holiday Blessings, Gary, Penney, Lindsay, Alyssa, and Josiah Sidle (Zambia) 6 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION On the first day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, our favorite song on a CD. On the second day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, two Reeses Cups and our favorite song on a CD. On the third day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, three mac and cheese, two Reeses Cups, and our favorite song on a CD. On the fourth day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, four maple syrups, three mac and cheese, two Reeses Cups, and our favorite song on a CD. W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G On the fifth day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, five shor-ten-ings, four maple syrups, three mac and cheese, two Reeses Cups, and our favorite song on a CD. (Skip to the end) On the twelfth day of Christmas our LINKS church gave to us, twelve books for reading, eleven cartridges printing, ten socks for walking, nine Twizzlers chewing, eight ladies’ dresses, seven bears for hugging, six balls for playing, five shor–ten–ings, four maple syrups, three mac and cheese, two Reeses Cups, and our favorite song on a CD. L I N K S L I N E S A real blessing occurred when I received an assortment of large-, quart-, and sandwich-sized Ziplock bags totalling 1,664! When I realized that the newest location for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) that we planned for a Creative Access Area would be short some items and that we wouldn’t have a team arriving to bring them prior to the VBS, I wrote a couple in Pennsylvania, asking if their Sunday School class would want to help out. They said they personally would take on the project and instead of sending just Ziplocks for my immediate need (the first camp) in large mailing envelopes, they sent a small duffel bag-full with the brother of a missionary who visited last week! Thank you, Lord, for the answers before I even figure it out! Linda Russell Missionary to Russia LINKS Display/Bulletin Board A display/bulletin board idea was to have figurines representing missionaries placed in one world area on a globe and figurines representing that local church placed where that church is on the globe. A connection is made from the “missionaries” to the “local church” with a light chain. A sign nearby should explain what LINKS is and who the LINKS missionaries for that church are. Source Unknown Project Home Word Get the entire church involved in missions by having each person contribute a short, one-page devotional, sharing their favorite scripture, hymn, life moment, etc. When devotionals are gathered for at least 365 days, we put it together and send it to our LINKS missionaries. The church shares with the missionaries on a personal and a corporate level. We broaden our church community by including our missionaries, and we broaden missions awareness and involvement. All ages are encouraged to participate. It doesn’t cost anything; all it takes is a little effort. Chris Pettit • Kalamazoo, Michigan JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 7 P R O M O I D E A S A L A B A S T E R Alabaster Display Ideas Alabaster Giving from the Heart Create a display for Alabaster, using hearts of varying sizes and colors. Hang the hearts at different lengths to create the illusion of a “sea” of floating hearts. (To enhance the 3-D effect, put a mirror at the rear of the display.) On the larger hearts, write inspirational and informative phrases about Alabaster, such as: • Alabaster Offering (insert date) • Give from your heart in the Alabaster Offering • 100% of Alabaster Funds are used for missions buildings and land • Alabaster funds provide property and buildings around the world • Alabaster Goal: $ (insert goal) • Eighty percent of Alabaster funds is used in world mission areas, and twenty percent goes to multicultural congregations in the United States and Canada Bill Manning • Kansas City, Missouri Alabaster Boxes on Wheels Set up an Alabaster display in a visible area of your church, such as the entry or foyer. Use a toy wheelbarrow to display both children’s and adult’s Alabaster boxes. Put the boxes inside and outside the wheelbarrow. Include a note that says: “Work & Witness and Alabaster have become inseparable companions.” Dr. Nina Gunter, General NMI Director Betty Pischel • Bethany, Oklahoma NEWS FLASH • There is now an Alabaster Photo Gallery on the NMI Web Site <www.nazarenemissions.org/alabaster>. 8 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G P R O M O I D E A S A L A B A S T E R ALABASTER QUIZ 1. What is the Alabaster Offering? a. An offering for the pastor b. A “love gift” that provides missions buildings c. An offering to buy flowers for people who are ill 6. What types of buildings are built with Alabaster funds? a. Factories b. Apartments c. Hospitals, schools, missionary homes, and churches 2. When is the Alabaster Offering received? a. Every Sunday morning b. Whenever we feel like it c. In the months of February and September 7. Why should we give all we possibly can? a. Because there are so many projects waiting for Alabaster money b. So we can brag about how much we give c. Because the missionaries need money for food 3. Who can give in the Alabaster Offering? a. Everyone b. Just rich people c. Only grown-ups 4. What is Alabaster money used for? a. To buy food b. To purchase buildings and property for missions c. To pay missionary salaries 5. Where are Alabaster funds utilized? a. Around the world b. United States and Canada c. Both a and b 8. What is the goal for our church? a. $35 b. $50 c. $(insert your goal here) (See solution on page 14) Mae Hoskins • Michigan District New Alabaster DVD Enclosed with this Mission Connection mailing is the new Alabaster DVD. The DVD includes several video segments that are stand-alone pieces, meaning they may be shown individually. Ideas for Using the Alabaster DVD • Show a video segment during the morning worship service to promote an upcoming Alabaster Offering. • Set up a TV in the foyer/lobby of your church. Choose the “loop” option on the DVD for continuous play. Include a sign that says, “Don’t miss the Alabaster Offering on (insert date)!” • Have a movie night to raise money for Alabaster. Set up a big screen TV, or project the video onto a white wall. Invite families to attend and provide refreshments, such as popcorn and soda pop. Ask for donations to Alabaster after viewing the DVD (or have several offerings between segments). Melinda Wolf Miller • Assistant Editor JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 9 FA I T H PROMISE Faith Promise Balloons Create balloon prayer reminders and use them as decorations (or for a balloon drop) at your Faith Promise event. Print the name of a missionary and the world area in which he or she serves on a strip of paper and insert into balloons before inflating. Inflate the balloons and decorate. Distribute balloons to children, youth, and adults as prayer reminders. Allow them to pop the balloons, and encourage them to pray for the missionary whose name is on the paper. (Note: be sure to have a few balloons that have “Creative Access Area Missionary” on their slips of paper; because of the nature of CAAs, names and world areas may not be used.) Nine-year-old Nicholas Ewing was so excited about popping balloons during Faith Promise he ended up with the names of 10 missionaries. Nicholas diligently prayed for the missionaries this year, located the world areas where they serve on a globe, and kept updated about them through magazine articles. He recently added the names of four more missionaries to his prayer list. He looks forward to the possibility of meeting them all in the future. Dawn Falk • Calgary, Alberta, Canada Faith Promise Skit Characters: Mary (M) and Jen (J) Scene: Mary and Jen work together to establish a budget for Mary. M: Hey, Jen. Would you help me put together a budget for this year? You’re so good at finances, and I could really use the help! J: Sure, Mary. (shuffles papers) First you’ll need to make a list of your monthly expenses. Let’s see here.... We’ve got your bills, pay stubs, bank statements....Where is your statement from the church treasurer? M: (laughing) The church doesn’t pay me! J: Well no. But you tithe 10 percent to the church and also give money to Faith Promise, don’t you? Faith Promise Fashion Show Script The July/August/ September 2003 Mission Connection included a “Hats Off to Faith Promise” idea. The fashion show script is now available on the NMI Web site <www.nazarenemissions.org/faithpromise>. 10 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION M: Promise what? J: Faith Promise. It’s an extra amount of money that you give to help support missionaries around the world. M: Oh, I give money to missions all the time. J: Really? M: OK, so it’s more like once in a blue moon. J: How would you like it if you only got paid once in a blue moon? M: It’s a figure of speech! J: My point is: missionaries are people just like us. They need a paycheck...a paycheck that is not dependent on the moon. (Pause) Faith promise is an extra sum of money that you promise God you’ll give. A lot of times it takes a leap of faith in order to stick to your commitment. Faith promise is how the missionaries out in the field get the money they need in order to live. M: Wow! I guess I never really thought about it like that…. J: I’ve enjoyed participating in faith promise. Taking that extra step beyond tithing has really been a blessing! M: Well, in that case, count me in! J: Good! I’ll add that to the budget. Kathy Steely • Indianapolis, Indiana W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G STATE OF NMI (Continued from Page 16) Mission Education (continued) • 1.2 million mission education credits reported in 2004. • Pastoral Assessment Team (hosted by NMI) to review NMI programs and resources. 3. Interactive Experiences—The mission movement accelerates as adults, youth, and children are involved in hands-on experiences. • Work & Witness (W&W)—Through education, mission awareness, and giving, $5,468,873 was invested in this life-changing ministry. Twelve teams per week and 10,475 participants donated the equivalent of 370 years of labor. • NMI partners with Youth In Mission and Youthserve. • District Presidents’ W&W—Thirty-seven district NMI presidents and other NMI leaders participated in a W&W trip to Brazil. The highlight was being a part of the ground-breaking ceremony of Brazil Nazarene College and the new location for the Campinas Central Church. • Mission Call Coordinator—Council position becoming established in districts and local churches • Missionary presence in camps and churches 4. Giving—Giving fuels the mission movement. The amount raised for missions this past year was $69,898,994, an increase of $1,413,373. • 36 districts in the U.S.A. and Canada and 99 in world mission regions paid 100 percent or more of World Evangelism Fund. • The Award of Excellence program has exceeded the $14 million mark. In the 13 years of this NMI program for World Evangelism Fund overpayment, 56 world areas have been entered. Through the Award of Excellence program, 47 percent of churches in the U.S.A. and 22 percent in Canada overpaid the World Evangelism Fund last year for a total of $1,595,832 (record giving) in overpayment, which will be used to explore and enter new world areas. • The Witness on Wheels (WOW) project, in collaboration with Children’s Ministries, accelerated to $421,138. • World Mission Broadcast—$529,809 was given to “reach the unreached” in 79 countries, 35 languages, 87 programs, and 1,200 broadcasts. • Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM)—$4.4 million was given and more than 56,000 Crisis Care Kits were sent. • NCM’s Child Development program is providing more than 5,500 sponsorships and nutritional assistance to 60,000 children in over 70 countries. NMI partners to propel the mission movement into the future. • NMI 90th Anniversary Project—Nazarenes have accepted the challenge to give $3.5 million for “Books for Pastors—Tools for Ministry.” Through the collaboration of NMI, World Mission Literature, World Mission Department, and the International Board of Education, thousands of pastors worldwide will have resources for ministry in their own languages. • Million Hours of Prayer—Nazarenes will pray at least one million hours from January to June 2005 for the General Assembly and Conventions and for spiritual renewal. Also, through the 24/7 Prayer Plan, each world region area, as well as Canada and the U.S.A., has been assigned a day to pray. • General NMI Convention—The 20th General NMI Convention, to be held June 21-24, 2005, will fuel momentum for the future as the worldwide Nazarene family comes together. JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 11 PL -IN TO D E G UG What Is Alabaster? We give an Alabaster offering because of a story in the Bible. To discover where the Alabaster story is located in Matthew, follow these directions: Look at the picture on this page. Find the hidden coins and pictures of bottles. The number of coins reveals the chapter, and the number of bottles reveals the verse. Read the Alabaster story, then unscramble the words below, and fill in the blanks 1. What did the woman pour on Jesus’ head? (fmureep) 2. How did the disciples feel when they saw what the woman did? (gyrna) 3. The disciples exclaimed, "This is ____________ perfume! It could have been sold to give money to the poor!" (isepnxvee) 4. Jesus told his disciples that the woman had done a ____________ thing. (tfabulaeui) Our Alabaster love offering provides money for property and buildings around the world, including construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers. Think of ways you can show love by saving or earning money to give to the Alabaster Offering. Leader’s Instructions: Place this sheet on a table where several children can view it at one time.* Also on the table, place several Bibles and enough sheets of paper for your children’s group. Instruct the children to count the number of coins in the picture. Point out that most of the coins are from far-away countries; however, they should still be able to pick them out. Then have the children count the number of bottles in the photo. They should follow the instructions and look up the Bible verse, then fill in the blanks by unscrambling the words at the end of each of the four sentences. *You can also download and print enough photos for each child from the NMI Web site—see web address below. Sara Cunningham • Children’s Ministries Solution on page 14 NEWS FLASH • There is now a page for Children’s Leaders on the NMI Web Site <www.nazarenemissions.org/children>. 12 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G WIRED-UP FOR While youth are out of school for the summer, encourage them to invest their free time in compassionate outreach and service in the community. Have adult sponsors assist and/or accompany the youth as they participate in various methods of community outreach. Here are some ideas: • Visit Sick, Elderly, or Homebound—Encourage youth to visit these often-forgotten members of the community. Often they appreciate someone just talking to them. If your teens are artistic, they could entertain at a local nursing home by singing songs or performing dramatic sketches and puppet shows. • Volunteer at a Local Shelter—Homeless shelter, domestic abuse shelter, animal shelter—all of these places provide great opportunities for reaching out to the community and for sharing God’s love through compassionate service. • Organize a Food Pantry—Have students organize a food pantry at your church, where church members can donate food to be stored on-site. Local grocery stores, bakeries, and delicatessens sometimes donate food items that are good to eat, but have passed the sell date. As your church becomes aware of families in need in your community, have the students load up the groceries and deliver them to the families. • Volunteer at Local Schools—Elementary schools may appreciate junior high or high school students who are willing to work with elementary-age children needing extra help with reading or math during summer school. • Coach Community Athletics—Communities often host summer activities and/or athletics. Teens who are interested in athletics could volunteer to serve as coaching assistants or instructors for summer camps. Melinda Wolf Miller • Assistant Editor JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 13 “CURRENT” INFO AUDIOVISUAL RESOURCE RECEIVES NEW NAME CHILDREN’S RADIO PROGRAM LAUNCHED For the first time, World Mission Broadcast (WMB) South America launched a program targeted toward children. In conjunction with the region, Sunday School Ministries began broadcasting Aventuras Con Buzy (Adventures With Buzy) in February 2005. Radio stations in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States have agreed to air Aventuras Con Buzy. Brian Utter, SAM Communications Office World Mission Video Magazine has undergone a name change. It is now World Mission DVD. World Mission Director Louie Bustle says, “In this day of modern media there are many other resources that could be provided to local churches via this DVD (i.e. documents, graphics, sermon illustrations, Web page links, etc).” SOLUTION (FROM PAGE 9) 1. b. 2. c. W.O.W., Thanks! Here is the picture of the car we bought for Max Krasov’s ministry to children with the W.O.W. (Witness on Wheels) funds. Max works with orphans, for the most part. The children in the picture are from the orphanage where he spends a lot of time. He is also in the process of buying a camp for children’s ministry. Max is one great guy and is VERY thankful for the money he received to buy the car. As you can see, it is a station wagon. It is exactly what he needed. We send a huge “THANK YOU!” from us to the W.O.W. people. Chuck Sunberg, former missionary to Russia Witness on Wheels was a collaborative effort between Children’s Ministries and NMI to provide transportation for ministry to children around the world. 14 JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION 5. c. 6. c. 7. a. 8. c. SOLUTION (FROM PAGE 12) STAY UPDATED ON NEWS AROUND THE WORLD How can you keep up to date with what is going on in the Church of the Nazarene around the world? Go online and subscribe to NCN News e-newsletter <http://www.ncnnews.org/subscribe.html>. You should receive the e-newsletter each Friday. 3. a. 4. b. Coins—26 Bottles—6 Unscrambled Words— perfume, angry, expensive, beautiful World Mission Video Magazine Archive Volume 3 • 2002 Education: The Objective: 4 minutes, 20 seconds; use—International Ministry, Bibles Schools and Seminaries. Educación: El Objetivo: 6 minutos, 15 secundos; uso—Educación Internacional. LINKS: 4 minutes, 20 seconds; use—LINKS. Barren Field to Blooming Church: 4 minutes, 5 seconds; use—Alabaster Crossing the Salween: 4 minutes, 20 seconds; use—shows how the Church of the Nazarene provides for the needs of the less fortunate. Community of Love: 5 minutes, 10 seconds; use—Compassionate Ministries is a viable method of reaching the lost. Dave Cramer Interview: 2 minutes, 15 seconds; use—shows what missionaries do and the role they play in the Great Commission. Africa Region Report: 2 minutes, 50 seconds; use—shares the exciting ministries in Africa. Mission Possible 6: 7 minutes; use—children learn the Bible is a missionary’s most important tool. Mission Clips I: 5 minutes, 40 seconds; use—short segments encouraging children to read NMI Missions Books. Mission Clips II: 4 minutes, 20 seconds; use—short segments encouraging children to read NMI Missions Books. W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G JAS 2005 MISSION CONNECTION W W W. N A Z A R E N E M I S S I O N S . O R G 15 Gail L. Sawrie • NMI Editor For more information, see the NMI Web site <www.nazarenemissions.org>. • On Sundays, pray for pastors around the world as they lead in worship. • Throughout the week, remember students, faculty, and staff of the international institutions of higher education. • Pray that the “Books for Pastors—Tools for Ministry” project will meet the resource needs of thousands of pastors around the world. International Ministry, Bible Schools and Seminaries In July... Note: This emphasizes why we need Alabaster buildings—people. Blank faces represent those who don’t yet know Jesus, but who will because of Alabaster buildings. The coloring page may be used as a promotion by displaying the pages prior to the Alabaster offering. They could also be matted and displayed for an art show. Art could be auctioned or sold for set prices, with the money going to the offering. Leaders in the church could also color a picture as “celebrity” art for sale. Dawn Garey • Eaton, Ohio NMI, Church of the Nazarene 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, Mo. Permit No. 47 AROUND THE CIRCUIT State of NMI NMI began as a mission movement. Kennon Callahan, in his book The Future That Has Come, challenges organizations to move from functioning as institutions to functioning as movements. Strong organizations “have compelling value with the grass roots precisely because of their spirit of serving. [They] are always giving away more in volunteers, talents, strengths,...and money than they have.” (pages 15-16). Since the beginning, Nazarene Missions International (NMI) and church leaders—such as Susan Fitkin, Hiram F. Reynolds, Louise Chapman, and Mary Scott—have shared their passion for a mission movement to reach the lost. They challenged the church to set mission goals—or objectives as we know them. These goals—prayer, education, children and youth involvement, and giving—have been integral to NMI since 1916. NMI helps the mission movement accelerate. 1. Prayer—Prayer releases God’s power to accomplish His mission throughout the world. NMI encourages Nazarenes to intercede for missionaries, JESUS Film Harvest Partners, and the 149 world areas. NMI also provides resources for prayer initiatives: • Prayer Mobilization Line—Approximately 5,000 subscribers and thousands of Web visitors • Praying through the 10/40 Window • International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church • Nazarene World Week of Prayer—coordinated with the interdenominational World Day of Prayer • Million Hours of Prayer (January-June 2005) 2. Education—NMI drives the mission movement by resourcing the local church through: • Missions books, tapes, and CDs • Curricula for all ages • International Mission Education Journal, Global Glimpses, Mission Connection • NMI Web site—500,000 hits each month (Continued on page 11) 16 Nina G. Gunter, D. D. General NMI Director