NMI January/February Newsletter

From My Heart…

There is a great hymn of the church which includes the chorus, “Are you ready? Are you ready for the judgment day?” That’s a great question to ask ourselves and it is the driving force behind what we do as a mission society. We do our work from week to week in the context that there is a “great day coming by and by; when the saints and sinners will be parted right and left.” It is important to be ready for the judgment day.

But here is a secret that I have learned along the way… when God calls us to a task, we rarely are ready! When God called Gideon to save Israel, Gideon protested because he was the least man in the least clan in Israel (Judges 6:15). Ever feel that way? But listen carefully to God’s call, “Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you…I will be with you” (Judges 6:14,16).

When God calls you, just go in the strength that you do have, and don’t focus on the strength that you don’t have! Remember who it is that is sending you; He is not sending you alone! He will be with you . Remember Paul who affirmed that it was when he was weak that he was strong!

Have you ever backed away from something God was calling you to because you felt that you were not ready? Unlike the judgment day, you don’t have to be! God wants to work through you and display His strength through you. So be bold to say ‘yes’ trusting that He will go with you!

 Missionaries Available for Faith Promise May 1-July 31, 2010

David and Rhoda Restrick are global missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene assigned to the country of Mozambique.   They have served in Mozambique since 1992.   David serves as academic dean and professor at Seminário Nazareno em Moçambique located in the capital city, Maputo.  Rhoda has a number of rolls ministering to the faculty and students of the school including being the school nurse.  

David is a 1973 graduate of Eastern Nazarene College. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, he taught math and science at Nazarene High School in Manzini, Swaziland from 1975 to 1978.  Upon completion of his Peace Corps service, he continued his studies at Nazarene Theological Seminary where he earned his M.Div. degree.  He has done further graduate work at Boston University School of Theology, earning an STM in 1990 and completing his Th.D. in church history and missiology in 2001.

Rhoda received her registered nurse’s credentials at the United Sheffield Hospitals School of Nursing, Sheffield, England, in 1970.  She received her midwifery certification in 1971.  From 1973 to 1978 she served as nurse and midwife at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland. 

Prior to being assigned to Mozambique, the Restricks served one term at the Lula Schmelzenbach Memorial Nazarene Theological College near Acornhoek in the Northern Province of South Africa.  David served as professor and academic dean of the college.  Rhoda served as part time teacher, college nurse and bookkeeper.  In addition, they were involved in relief work among refugees from the civil war in Mozambique. 

Prior to their missionary appointment, the Restricks pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Weston-super-Mare, England, for three years.  David was ordained on the British Isles South District in 1985.  The Restricks have three children; Beth, Mary, and David.

Contact Wayne LaForce: wlaforce@nazarene.org to schedule.
 

Mark Your Calendars…The Radi’s are coming!

You really do not want to miss getting to meet Carlos and Robin Radi global missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene in Argentina. They will be on our district this Spring!

Sunday April 18
AM Carthage
PM Harrison

Monday April 19
SE Zone at Amelia

Tuesday April 20
NE Zone at Hillsboro

Wednesday April 21
NW Zone Fairborn Wrightview

Saturday April 24
Hispanic Church at Carthage

Sunday Night April 25
At the NYI Praise Rally!

It’s not too early to start planning for the 2010 NMI Dsitrict Convention July 14 and 15.

Mark your calendars now and consider putting in for a day off work. We will enjoy hosting Jay and Teanna Sunberg ministering in Bulgaria!

Did you know?

The Clifton Church of the Nazarene is venturing out to team up with a para-church ministry. They will be reaching out to University of Cincinnati students of  Asian and Indian descent. Please pray for Rev. Fischer and Ranjara and Pramod Aghamkar as they step out to minister in this area.

New Terminology

The shift from an outdated, expense-based formula to a global percentage for funding our global mission involves a change in mindset for many affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene.

In order to ease this shift, we are providing the terms we’re using to describe the Funding the Mission plan in our resources, our Web sites, and our reports. We will encourage missional faithfulness and passion by the terms we choose and use.  

Changes are coming…

I included in this newsletter some of the changes that are being initiated by the Global Headquarters. This will trickle down to changes on the district and local level over the next months and years. I will be attending a meeting in January for District Presidents from across the globe and will be communicating the information I receive over the next few months. We will all have to work together to negotiate these changes!  ~Cynthia

To our LINKS and Church friends!

Immanuel, God with us!!!  What an incredible fact!!  We rejoice with each of you that together, we DO CELEBRATE  GOD WITH US!

GOD WITH US………Through His abundant grace, each and every day
GOD WITH US………Through His peace and hope
GOD WITH US………In His refining power
GOD WITH US………In His sustaining strength
We celebrate each and every day!  May each of you be encouraged and truly bask in His presence with you wherever this finds you and in whatever situation you find yourself in.  Rest in the glorious truth that He is with you. 
We thank the Lord for many answers to prayer in our lives this month.  John has been ’steady at it’ in the print shop getting all the Sunday school, equip, and theological education material ready for 2010.  The Lord sustained and protected myself and a dear family friend as we traveled up to Northern Ghana.  How does one describe riding on the back of a motor bike in the dark, ascending an escarpment with no lights….with potholes galore and patches of sand…with no lights working?  How does one describe bathing a D.S. who is burning up with fever and extremely weak?   The Lord’s presence was there with all in all. 

While up in Northern Ghana, I had the joy of teaching over 150 girls about HIV/AIDs as well as training children’s ministry workers.   Oh, the needs are many.  Please pray for the pastors who are working hard to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. In November, John and I were able to spend our 3 weeks of holiday time in Alberta, Canada visiting with family and friends.  It was a blessing and we were grateful for this rest. We thank the Lord for Alanna’s growing time while attending a 6 week intensive course at Capenwray in New Zealand.  She is now in Papua New Guinea for the next 3 months and has been helping teach the missionary kids at the school.   We thank the Lord for having Mitchell home with us over the Christmas school break.  He had a great first semester in his Sr. year at boarding school in Dakar, Senegal. John survived turning 50 on the 20th.  I’m behind him all the way!  A good dose of Canadian Maple syrup and Ghanaian chocolate will keep his going for another 50!   Mitch turns 18 on the 26th.  Where does the time go?? We thank the Lord for our family friend, Bethany Herbert, who is spending 1 month with us.  She is our first guest from our home church and we are truly blessed!  She’s a great trooper!  

“Lord, we are so thankful for the many brothers and sisters in Christ that you have blessed us with.  Minister to them and through them.  Bless them and enable them to continue to ‘press on.’  Help each of us to live with the keen awareness of your presence with us in all and through all.  We love you Lord and give you all the praise.  Amen! ”

 ”…….may your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you maybe able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteous that comes through Jesus Christ–to the glory and praise of God. “  Philippians 1:9-11

Go with Christ in 2010! 

Yours in Christ, John, Laurie, Alanna (PNG) and Mitchell (Ghana/Senegal)

NMI Missions Day at the Zoo

Nazarene Missions Day at the Zoo – May 15, 2010 A fun day at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is planned for the family with a Missions Emphasis. Lunch is planned (12:00 noon) at the Indoor Safari Lodge with Global Missionaries from the Church of the Nazarene, Greg and Terri Taylor who are currently serving in the Philippine Islands as our guest speakers. Lunch in the Indoor Safari is reserved for Nazarenes at noon; you may bring your own lunch or purchase lunch at the park.

Cost:
FREE Ages 2 and under
$6.00 Ages 2-12       
$8.00 Adults             
$6.00 Seniors 62 and over
$4.00 Parking                        

For these special Nazarene rates for admission and parking you must purchase your tickets and parking pass online at: http://tickets.cincinnatizoo.org. Enter your “store” name as Nazarene. You will be able to purchase and print your tickets there. Plan to bring your children to the zoo and experience the thrill of a safari as well as enjoy our special Missionary speakers as they challenge our children to be all that God wants them to be. ~ Sabrina Westerman, Children’s Missons (937) 833-2332

FYI – Greg and Terri Taylor are Global Missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene and have lived in the Phillipines since 1998. The Taylors’ began their missions career as Nazarenes in Volunteer Service to Guatemala before receiving their current assignment.

The Taylor family is from Salem, Oregon, where they are members of South Salem Church of the Nazarene. They are both originally from Oregon.
Greg and Terri are currently serving in the Asia-Pacific Regional Office as Regional Coordinator for Partnerships. The Taylor’s work includes all fields of the vast region of Asia and the Pacific Islands including Australia-New Zealand, Melanesia, South Pacific, SeaLands, Southeast Asia, China Ministries, Philippines and Micronesia. They are also involved with Work and Witness for the Philippine Islands. Terri is a full-time Mom and enjoys serving in hospitality roles for region and field.

The Taylor’s have two children, a daughter, Jordan who is a freshman at Trevecca Nazarene University (Nashville); and a son, Zachary, who is a Freshman at Faith Academy (Manila).

Pure Freedom Preteen Purity Retreat

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12

This weekend retreat is designed with our preteens in mind (10-12 years old). We will discuss God’s purity standard when it comes to our speech, actions, attitude, dress, and relationships.

SWO Nazarene Children’s Ministries presents…
Pure Freedom Preteen Winter Retreat
January 29 – 30
Registration includes 1 parent and 1 preteen
$69 early bird prior to January 22
$79 after January 22
Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center
Registration includes shared lodge room and 3 meals.
You may request your own lodge room for additional fee of $23.

Click here for registration form

Parenting Seminar

We want to invite you to join us for a parenting seminar coming to your area. Also, please pass this email on to friends who might be interested in strengthening their parenting.

Cooperation, Consequences, and Keeping Your Sanity

Presented by Amy Clymer
Saturday, January 30
8:45 am to 2:30 pm
Living Hope Church
1150 W Spring Valley Pike
Centerville, OH 45458

The cost is $15 per adult. Register at www.biblicalparenting.org/register or call (937) 433-2773.

You will learn practical ways to move from a behavior modification approach to a heart-based approach to parenting. It’s amazing how children change the way they live when parents adjust the way they work with them.

This seminar is provided by the National Center for Biblical Parenting and is a practical, biblical approach to parenting. You’ll be so grateful you attended because you’ll be able to use the material right away.

Prime Time 2010

NATIONAL PRIME TIME BRANSON RETREAT – MARCH 23-26
A great retreat in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center. Cost: Single Occupancy $525, Double Occupancy $350
Registration deadline is March 1 (http://primetime.nazarene.org)
For more information call 877-240-2417

REGIONAL FESTIVAL OF JOY -  APRIL 29
A day of celebration and entertainment (including lunch), honoring our senior adults.  Held at MVNU.
Cost: Approx. $20

SWO DISTRICT PRIME TIME RETREAT-  MAY 10-12
Theme: “Celebrations”
Featuring Lenny & Joy Wisehart, song evangelists
Held at Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center

Bob & Carolyn Vogelmann
SWO Prime Time Directors
937.280.3426
BVogelmann@woh.rr.com 

http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/ssm/adult/primetime/display.aspx

Marriage Renewal Encounter 2010

Southwestern Ohio District 
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International
is sponsoring this event…

Marriage Renewal Encounter 2010
February 12-13

Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
Presenters: Chad Current, Lester Jones, Bob Mahaffey,
David and Sara Vallandingham
Music: Brannon and Gloria Hancock
Comedy Relief: Dan and Darlene Walters
Friday, February 12 ~ Dinner at 6:30 PM
Concludes Saturday, February 13 at 3:00 PM
Price per couple~ $125.00
Please send reservations and payment to Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
3820 Logan Creek Lane ~ West Harrison, Indiana 47060
For more information contact the district office (513) 777-5600
or email Tom Zile at tzile@earthlink.net

Element THE Young Adult Retreat

This coming January there’s going to be an exciting and strategic event for young adults. It’s a two-day retreat at Higher Ground Camp and Conference Center that we are calling “Element.”

“Element” is a district-wide retreat for young adults January 23-24. The retreat will be held at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center, our district campground, in Harrison, IN. This will be a time for young adults to grow closer to the Lord and closer to each other. Although information about the retreat is available on the Southwestern Ohio District website, we have more details to share and one change to make.

SATURDAY 1/23: 
Check-in 1:00 at Pioneer Lodge
~ Outdoor/indoor games in the afternoon — football, dodgeball, volleyball; board games, card games, etc.
~ Hot dinner provided
~ Evening coffeehouse with coffee bar
~ Live music
~ Karaoke

SUNDAY 1/24:
~ Hot morning brunch provided
~ Worship service, with Beavercreek Nazarene Young Adult Pastor, JR Forasteros as special speaker
~ Check-out 1:00 at Pioneer Lodge
A block of 24 lodge rooms has been reserved for this event. The rooms are very nice and similar to hotel rooms. Each has two beds, a TV, linens/bedding, wi-fi, and can room up to four persons. (Rooms do not furnish hair dryers or shampoo.)

VERY IMPORTANT: The cost is $30 per person and includes two meals, lodging, and general use of the Higher Ground facilities. If someone is able to attend only part of the retreat (i.e. if they come later in the day on Saturday), they may subtract $10 from their cost, ONLY if they will be missing one of the provided meals. The DEADLINE for payment is Saturday, JANUARY 16. Checks must be written before or on that date. After the 16th, the cost is $40.

If paying by check, young adult attendees may make it out to: SWO Sunday School Ministries.

Please mail checks to:
Zach Bohannon
524 French Run Ct.
Lebanon, OH 45036
Zach has been interning at Springdale Nazarene and is one of the coordinators for this retreat. 

God wants to move in and through our young people, and this event is an opportunity for Him to do that.

Feel free to contact Chris Bean, our campus missionary to the University of Cincinnati, if you have any questions about “Element.”

SDMI January 2010 News

Check out www.amc.nazarene.org a wealth of information and assistance. You’ll have access to all ministries, including Women’s, Single Adults, Men’s, Nazarene Motorcycle Fellowship, Prime Time, Marriage, Family, and The Discipleship Place denominational website. Included in The Discipleship Place are many resources and free courses for laypersons. Material to benefit ministry is added regularly!

SWO 51st District Assembly

District Assembly 2010 will be held at Cincinnati Springdale Church of the Nazarene

11177 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, July 13-16, Dr. Jesse Middendorf, general superintendent will preside. The NYI Convention will be held Tuesday, July 13, 6:30 pm, Springdale; NMI Convention, Wednesday and Thursday, July 14 and 15; District Assembly will begin with District Superintendent’s report, Thursday evening July 15, at 7:00. The business portion of District Assembly will begin Friday, July 16 beginning at 8:00 am.

We have contracted with Drury Inn & Suites Cincinnati North, 2265 East Sharon Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 (513) 771-5601

Reservations will be made by individual call-in, please call 1-800-325-0720 to make your individual reservation. Please specify the Hotel location (noted above) and reference Church of the Nazarene (Group Name). Cost will be $90.00 per night. 

A few amenities included:

Hot Quikstart Breakfast – Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, Belgian waffles and more!
Free Long Distance – One hour every room, every night
Free hot food and cold beverages served daily from 5:30 -7:30 PM ( 5:30 Kickback) food items they serve are: Chicken strips, egg rolls, charbroiled meatballs…
High-Speed Internet Access to every room and wireless lobby
Well-lit parking
Indoor/Outdoor Pool & Whirlpool
Plus much more

SWO District Women’s Ministries

Upcoming events for the Southwestern Ohio District Women’s Ministry

Beth Moore Simulcast
Beavercreek Church of the Nazarene
April 24, 2010

Women’s Retreat

November 12-13, 2010
Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
More information to come at a later date.

Merry Christmas!

SEASON’S GREETINGS

As we anticipate the upcoming wonderful season, we extend to you God’s richest blessings, peace and happiness. Our prayer is that this will be a wonderful and meaningful Thanksgiving and Christmas season for you all because of the Christ you serve.

December 2009 AM and Sunday School Averages

Sunday School Report December 2009

SDMI November – December Greeting

Tom Zile

The holiday season is upon us! On behalf of the SWO District SDMI Ministries Board, we pray you and yours the best of Christmas seasons this year. As I sit in the office writing this, my mind has not gone to the traditional Christmas carols of the season, but instead to the words, “Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord, let me lift up those who are weak…Make me a servant today.” You say, “That doesn’t sound very Christmas like!” Doesn’t it? Sure sounds like Christmas to me. Jesus humbled Himself, and gave up willingly His place of royalty to be born in a manger that He might relate to us and us to Him. He came to serve. So what does that have to do with us? Well, I am so glad you asked. Scripture says we are to be imitators of Christ. We are to act like Jesus which means we are to humble ourselves and help meet the needs of those around us. Now that brings to mind another song, but it is not a Christmas carol either, though maybe it should be, “O To Be Like Thee,” where the songwriter uses the phrase, “stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.”

This Christmas let us be reminded that if we are to look like Jesus we are to be servants of others, and one of the best ways to do that is by becoming involved in discipleship ministry in some fashion. This Christmas, perhaps, the songs you sing won’t consist entirelyof the traditional carols but will also include “Make Me a Servant,” and “O, To Be Like Thee.” As we make disciples we become like Jesus together.

May God bless you and may you sense the presence of the Living God this Christmas season and remember the SDMI Minsitries Board is here to serve you and provide resources anyway we possibly can. It is our intent to help you become imitators of Christ by making disciples in the nations.

In His service,
Tom Zile
SDMI Chairman

Local Churches Sunday School and AM Averages

Sunday School Report November 2009

Monthly Report

Almost New Years Eve

Almost New Years Eve

Dear Team Update Recipients,
Please find below two flyers concerning the SWO District NYI “Almost New Years Eve” Party. We are providing it in Word version along with a .pdf so that churches can edit the Word version to add details, for example, when their own students should meet at their church and when they should get picked up.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact SWO NYI President, Kyle Jackson krjacksondds@msn.com. Thank you!

• ANYE 2009 Flyer WORD
• ANYE 2009 Flyer PDF

Celebrating 30 Years SWO Camp Meeting 2010

CAMP MEETING INFORMATION

Begin now to plan for Camp Meeting 2010, June 14-20

Workers are: Evangelists, Norman Moore; Song Evangelist, TBA; Bible Study, Troy Martin. For online information visit www.swonaz.org/swo-camp-meeting.php

If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Hail at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center at (812) 637-3777.

CAMP MEETING RESERVATIONS

Registrations for Camp Meeting may be mailed beginning on January 2, 2010. (Since January 3 is on Sunday we backed this up 1 day).

Deposit for Lodge: $45.00
Deposit for Family Dorm: $30.00
Deposit for cabins: $25.00
Deposit for RV or Camp Sites: $25.00

Special Events:

Pony Rides on Thursday
Prime Time Day on Thursday
Sunday night celebration of Higher Ground’s 30th Anniversary
Sunday night music: Collingsworth Family beginning at 4:30 pm

Special Guests:

Dr. Harold & Bettie Graves  (all week)
Dr. Carlton & Betty Hansen (Arriving on Thursday evening)

We will begin accepting reservations and deposits for the lodge, dorm, cabins, and the RV section January 2, 2010, at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center, 3820 Logan Creek Lane, West Harrison, IN 47060, by U.S. Mail only. The office will be closed January 1. Please read carefully the following information: Drive-in or called-in reservations will not be accepted. Written reservation request with a deposit must be postmarked no earlier than January 2, 2010. Please include information stating what lodging options you are requesting and if for health reasons you need a first floor room.

On January 6 we will begin opening the mail beginning with the January 2 postmarked date. After entering all reservations from the January 2 post marked mail we will move on to the letters postmarked January 4 and so on until we fill up the lodge, dorms, cabins and RV. This will give everyone the same opportunity of getting their requested lodging. If you have any questions, please contact Brenda Hail at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center (812) 637-3777.

Bi-Vocational Retreat

BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTERS’ AND SPOUSES’ RETREAT
November 6-8, 2009

Approximately 40 people attended the Bi-Vocational Retreat this year at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center.  Dr. Doug Van Nest, SWO District Superintendent was the guest speaker and Bryan Harrison from Cincinnati Carthage led worship.

SWO District November/December News

MINISTERS’ and SPOUSES’ DISTRICT LEADERS CHRISTMAS DINNER

Monday, December 7, 2009
Special Guest – Adam’s Voice
Hors d’ Oeuvres will be served at 6:00 PM with dinner following at 6:30 PM
Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
$14.50 per person
Registration Deadline: December 3, 2009

NMI November/December Newsletter

From My Heart

Ready, set, go! It’s THE HOLIDAYS!

You will be faced with many activities this holiday season and I think the best ones will be those where you embody the mission of Christ to reconcile the world to Himself.     Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He went from town to town, but He also saw people along the way. He saw Zaccheus in his tree; he heard the blind man by the side of the road. Do you see the person working the cash register? Do you hear the need of your waitress? What if you asked one person a day a simple question, “What do you need most from God today” and then prayed for that need?

When you send your Christmas cards, what if you sent one to someone in a nursing home? When you bake Christmas cookies, what if you took a plate to a single Mom?

When you gather for Thanksgiving, what if you took the time to privately express thanks to each of those you gather with?

If you are going to be alone, what if you found someone else to share some time with?

When you have friends over, what if you were to invite someone who lost a loved one this year?

There are many ways to join in Christ’s mission right where you are!

Fall Missionary Tour 10/11-18 with David Johnson from Madagascar

We recently hosted David Johnson on the district. He brought us a report from the island nation of Madagascar. On Sunday, he was hosted by the Eaton church in the morning and the West Chester church in the evening. The first zone rally was held at the Sardinia church whose choir really got the crowd going. A great group joined together at Beavercreek to hear about the street kids center and were the first to have an opportunity to join together to sponsor a child. Wednesday night we were down by the river at New Richmond and enjoyed some great desserts. Thursday found us at Countryside where we made it to 75% of our goal to sponsor a child. Friday night was at the Fairfield church in a more casual atmosphere around tables enjoying a light snack. Felicity hosted on Sunday morning where David enjoyed some good country cooking. The final stop on the tour was at Victory who hosted a cookout. As usual you were very generous in your deputation and love offerings. David was very thankful and really enjoyed his time on our district.

MK’s at MVNU

It would be hard to leave your college age kids at college knowing that you won’t see them for several years, but especially at the holidays. And it would be lonely to be a missionary kid far from the country you grew up in spending the holidays away from home. That’s where we come in!  Remember the MK’s st Mount Vernon this holiday season.

MVNU 800 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon. Ohio 43050

Crisis Care Kit Pick-Up Report

The SWO District contributed 117 Crisis Care Kits and 41 School Pal Paks during the recent pick-up. Remember to send $2 per box to cover the cost of getting the box to the warehouse to SWO Trsr.  Lorraine Search. You akso need to send $10 per pal-pak and $12 per CCK to the Global Treasurer to cover the cost of getting the box to the field.

Stewardship Ministries

Stewardship Ministries provides a multitude of resources to assist local churches in promoting the Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund (WEF).  Promotional material specific to the Thanksgiving Offering is available to be downloaded or printed, free of charge, and can be found on the Thanksgiving Offering page of the Stewardship Ministries website. Some of these resources include posters, bulletin inserts, and clip art. Offering envelopes and posters to promote the World Evangelism Fund are now available, free of charge, through the Nazarene Publishing House, www.nph.com.

The “HOPE Offering for World Evangelism” envelope design will be used through 2009 and can be ordered at any time. Any left over envelopes can now be used in your pew pocket to promote the World Evangelism Fund year round. The envelope set-up and printing charges are free to all churches. 

Stewardship Ministries
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-544-8413 or E-mail: stewardship@nazarene.org

Find free images at: http://www.nazarenemissions.org/10107/story.aspx

Special Compassionate Ministry Offering Kudjip

The first Sunday in December is the traditional offering for compassionate ministry. This year the District NMI Council is suggesting that you promote this offering to help the hydroelectric project at the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea. Kudjip Nazarene Hospital and mission station lost their hydroelectric system in a flood in March 2009. Since then, this vital ministry has tried to survive on power supplied by the government utility provider. Unfortunately, the government-supplied electricity is both expensive and unreliable Surges, sags, and outages are common, causing damage to medical equipment and compromising patient care. In photo right, a  baby born by Caesarean Section performed with headlamps only. A reliable source of electricity is desperately needed. At a minimum, a large capacity generator and infrastructure necessary to integrate the generator into the primary power source is required. Careful and detailed consideration of an entire rebuild of the hydroelectric system is underway.

You can read the whole story at the new Engage magazine September issue. 
Mark checks ACM 1417.
Find Kudjip Hospital on Facebook

SWO District Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International

Tom Zile, SWO District SDMI Chairman

FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL EMPHASIS

Greetings!

Below are the dates and the focus of each date of the emphasis. For more information and ideas of how to conduct the fall emphasis in your local church you can go to http://www.nazarene.org/ministries/ssm/spiritualgrowth/fall2009/display.aspx

Fall 2009 Sunday School Emphasis: GO – Make the Connection with Others

The Great Commission reminds us that we are to “Go and make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teach (them) to obey…” (Matthew 28:19).  Over the next two years we will be emphasizing the importance of that great commission from Jesus.

People are waiting on us to invite them to church…to our local Sunday School class.  Tom Rainer, in his book The Unchurched Next Door, discovered that 97% of the unchurched said that they were likely or somewhat likely to attend church if someone invited them to come!  The question is, “Who will invite them?”  The answer should be, “Me.”

You and I are the ones our neighbors, friends, relatives, work associates – young and old alike – are waiting on to invite them to Sunday School.  During this spring emphasis, we are encouraging you to motivate and prayerfully consider who God will place on your heart to invite to Sunday School.  God will use our witness and invitation to speak to people and draw them to Himself.

September 20 – Preparation Sunday
September 27 – Connecting with Family
October 4 – Connecting with Neighbors and Friends
October 11 – Connecting with Co-Workers and Classmates
October 18 – Connecting with Community
October 25 – Connecting with the Church

If there are any questions please feel free to contact Tom Zile at tzile@earthlink.net