General Superintendent Nina Gunter recently presided over Asia-Pacific Region district assemblies in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Taiwan, Korea, and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

In PNG, Dr. Gunter conducted the assembly of the Western Highlands District, which includes approximately 130 churches and 14 preaching points. A particularly historic moment occurred there when she had the privilege of ordaining three women, a Nazarene first in PNG. Their ordination, along with that of 10 men, was cause for celebration. The assembly had voted unanimously to ordain them, and those present were reported to be “ecstatic.” Dr. Gunter proclaimed it a new day.

To a crowd of almost 1,000, the district superintendent continued to emphasize the historic moment. The service reportedly gave inspiration and hope to several female students and aspiring ministers at the Bible College in PNG.

This unexpectedly warm welcome of women ministers in places that have never experienced such things before continues to characterize Dr. Gunter's travels. In Korea, where she was the first woman ever to carry out an ordination service, she received strong support from Nazarenes and recognition from the local media.