Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members. 

Tennessee pastor donates kidney to parishioner

Nashville, Tennessee

(WSMV, 4 September) Getting a new kidney can be a game of trying to beat the odds.

For thousands of people on the kidney waiting list, a life-saving transplant can be years away.

For one patient the wait is over, and on Tuesday, a living kidney donation will take place at Saint Thomas West Hospital, thanks to a pastor who was a perfect match for his parishioner.

A life-changing moment was put in motion between Jonathan Trees, the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, and his parishioner, Carl Higgins.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Service before self: Nazarene chaplain shares testimony

Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia

(16 August, Peninsula Warrior) Going down life’s winding road, U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Lu, 633rd Air Base Wing chaplain, concluded that he could plan for his future, but God would be the one to guide his path.

Lu was born and raised in China, but his family, who was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution, explained to him that they planned to move and become citizens of the United States. It is through this journey that Lu found his identity and life’s mission.

A chance encounter

Lu grew up in China with a passion to learn about different cultures and languages. At the age of 21, he applied for and was accepted into a college in Germany. Little did he know, nearby Bible students would soon deliver his life’s purpose, the gospel, to his door.

For the rest of the story, click here. 

Pennsylvania congregation helps renovate neighboring church into thrift store

Milton, Pennsylvania

(The Daily Item, 1 September) Literally and figuratively at a crossroads, a Montandon church decided to take a big a step of faith recently to reach out and build a bridge to their neighbors in need in a very practical and spiritually profound way.

Crossroads Church of the Nazarene, located at the intersection of Routes 147 and 45, has recently finished gutting and renovating a former church at 456 King St. in Milton that had closed due to dwindling attendance. Now, the upstairs is home to a thrift store, the proceeds of which will support the maintenance of the building and of an after-school center that will open on Sept. 11.

The building has been named The Bridge of Hope, after the leaders’ desire to connect with members of the neighboring community and carry with them a way to a brighter future.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Michigan church skatepark named among best in state

Brighton, Michigan

(WHMI, 8 September) Skaters looking to turn 720s and grind rails can do so locally at one of the best parks in the state. 

Best Things Michigan has named the park at the Brighton Nazarene Church, or the Naz, as one of the 9 best in Michigan. The indoor park has special features built in for skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades. 

For the rest of the story, click here. 

Alaska Nazarene receives activism scholarship

Palmer, Alaska

(KTVA, 28 August) For the seventh year, Summer of Heroes, a partnership program by Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs Alaska, awarded scholarships to youth activists in Alaska who have had a positive impact on their communities. 

Sunday, a group of six 2017 recipients, with ages ranging from 18 to 7, were honored during a ceremony at the Alaska State Fair. A short description of each honoree's volunteer or community service project was presented, and each was given a large $1,500 check. 

To read about recipient Addie Epler, the daugther of Ketchikan Church of the Nazarene Pastor Peter Epler, click here.

Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by NCN News