COTN - OptiSigns

In Memoriam: 20 June 2025

Nazarene News Staff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 9-20 June 2025.

Sharon Cheesebrew, 81, of Thurman, Ohio, passed away 7 June 2025. She was the widow of Larry Cheesebrew, a minister who served in Ohio. Larry passed away in 2021.

Carl Dennis, 92, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away 14 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Georgia, Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Frances Dennis.

Mary Dunn, 78, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away 10 June 2025. She was the widow of James Dunn, a minister who served in Georgia. James passed away in 2018.

Warberton Cole, 89, of Wellington, Kansas, passed away 9 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in California and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, E Jeanett Cole.

Mary Jones, 81, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, passed away 10 June 2025. She was the wife of Max Jones, a retired minister who served in Indiana and Georgia.

Lois Medders, 84, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away 15 June 2025. She was the wife of Thomas Medders, a minister who served in Alabama.

John Melkonian, 93, of Pasadena, California, passed away 24 May 2025. He was a minister who served in California. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Melkonian.

L. Jackson Pierre, 74, of Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away 13 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife, Paula Pierre.

Dorothy Salser, 96, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away 17 June 2025. She was the widow of Robert Salser, a retired minister who served in Ohio and West Virginia. Robert passed away in 1993.

John Stanley, 63, of Vienna, Illinois, passed away 11 June 2025. He was a minister who served at Carbondale New Beginnings Community Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Stanley.

Frederick Wheeler, 88, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away 3 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Michigan.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Rusty Robbins appointed executive director of JESUS Film Harvest Partners

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

JESUS Film Harvest Partners (JFHP) and Global Missions have announced the appointment of Rusty Robbins as the new executive director of JFHP. Robbins has served as the Eurasia Regional JESUS Film coordinator since 2018, in addition to serving as a global missionary in the Church of the Nazarene.

"Over the last 17 years of working alongside JESUS Film teams, I have the honor of knowing hundreds of thousands of people have been introduced to Christ," Robbins said. "I look forward to the future of the ministry as we seek to do more and go further, helping these new believers grow in their faith walk as we partner with discipleship and local districts."

"I am thrilled by the appointment of Rusty Robbins to the position of Executive Director of Jesus Film Harvest Partners," said Jim Ritchie, Global Missions director. "I believe this is an appointment for such a time as this. I have known Rusty and his wife Diane for some time now as missionaries on the Eurasia Region, and they both serve Jesus and the church with passion, integrity, and enthusiasm for missions. Rusty has great experience in JFHP and brings this to the role along with humility, pastoral grace, and strategic, visionary gifting. I know God is going to use Rusty in this time, along with his JFHP team, in a wonderful way."

Robbins follows Brian Helstrom, who served with JFHP for 27 years.

"The ministry of JESUS Film Harvest Partners has allowed me to follow the calling God gave me and to help others succeed with what God is calling them to do," Helstrom said. "I found that when I helped others succeed, I was fulfilled. I am grateful that I have been able to help others succeed for the last 27 years."

Helstrom will remain on assignment as a missionary, helping raise funds for Global Missions initiatives.

"I give thanks to God for Brian's long and faithful ministry, leading and inspiring JESUS Film Harvest Partners, and I am excited for him as he continues to minister as a missionary in a key area for the church's mission," Ritchie said. "It is my prayer and great expectation that through JFHP's partnership with the local churches, districts, fields, and regions across the world, many more people will get the opportunity to hear about Jesus and to respond to his gracious offer of salvation."

Rusty and his wife, Diane, serve as global missionaries in the Church of the Nazarene. Together, they have served in Bangladesh and Germany before relocating to the United States for their new roles.

Recently, in the Eurasia Region, Rusty served as a field finance coordinator and oversaw the region's JFHP operations with a focus on the 10/40 window.

An alumnus of Southern Nazarene University, Robbins initially earned a degree in accounting. After spending time in the health and telecommunications industries, he answered God's call to ministry on his life, where he directed the Bonita Park Nazarene Camp in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Water well donation aids Zimbabwe town facing clean water crisis

Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

In a significant development, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) has partnered with Nazarene churches in the Zimbabwe West District to provide water solutions to the Bulawayo community, which is facing a severe water crisis.

The water crisis in some parts of Bulawayo, especially Ward 25, has been ongoing for over a month. Residents face immense challenges in accessing this essential resource. Thanks to NCM’s initiative of funding water wells, the Church of the Nazarene has been able to provide the community with access to clean water.

Residents who had been struggling to access clean water due to a burst pipe were seen receiving assistance at Nazarene churches, which helped to promote sanitation and hygiene practices within the community. It made a significant impact in addressing the water crisis and provided relief to residents.

The Emganwini, Nketa, and Nkulumane Churches of the Nazarene played a vital role in assisting the community, bringing hope and relief to the people of Bulawayo and demonstrating the power of faith-based initiatives in addressing community needs.

These Nazarene churches and churches from other denominations successfully reached out to more than 10,000 households during the water crisis period. The local municipality government also recognized the contribution these churches had made in helping their neighbors.

The Church of the Nazarene in Zimbabwe thanks God for this NCM initiative and the work of the local churches in and around Bulawayo.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Benelux District becomes newest district on Eurasia Region

NMI Central

In late March, the 49th assembly of the Netherlands District began with the first resolution: a vote to become the Benelux District, which was unanimously accepted. The historic assembly continued, marking the first Benelux District assembly, with delegates from Luxembourg warmly welcomed.

“Last year, it seemed that the time was ripe to connect the Luxembourg church into the Dutch district with its church plant in Belgium," said Antonie Holleman, Benelux District superintendent and Northern Europe field strategy coordinator. "These three countries collaborate governmentally as the Benelux, so we just used this existing name.”

When the Church of the Nazarene was established in the Netherlands in 1967, it became part of the Middle European District, and soon a separate district was created: the Northwest European District, together with Denmark. In 1976, the Netherlands became a separate district, and in 1995, it became a Phase 3 district.

The Netherlands District has had a long history of reaching out with the gospel and the message of scriptural holiness to those who are transitioning from other world areas into Northern Europe. Over recent years, there has been a growing number of migrant communities settling on the Netherlands District, many of which have become congregations: Portuguese, Farsi, Arabic, and Bulgarian. The district has embraced these developments and intentionally sought to welcome and integrate these diverse congregations into the existing structures.

There has also been an intentional move to focus on planting missional communities in the southern part of the country, which is traditionally Roman Catholic. One fruit of this development was the church plant of Belgium.

In addition, the growing Cape Verde and Portuguese congregations in Luxembourg are intentionally reaching across borders to connect with pastors, people, and churches in an effort to develop stronger ties and mutual fellowship.

Holleman continues, “This movement toward a culturally diverse and multilingual district means that we want to emphasize certain values more strongly in order to be one in Christ in our diversity. It is clearly understood that ‘we’ need to be intentional about:

· Unity. We will rid ourselves of everything that divides us to be one family of followers of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-15).

· Respect. We will esteem others better than ourselves, that we may learn from one another (Philippians 2:2-8).

· Justice. We will stand up for our brothers and sisters when they are wronged or in need (James 2:14-22).

· Integration. We will encourage and support each other to integrate well into our communities and the society in which we live.”

As district boundaries expanded, congregants had a deep desire to grow. That desire according to Holleman is “to be more intentional in becoming a multilingual and culturally diverse district, and with our identified values, make a statement and be a Christian witness in a time of suppression of people groups, discrimination, and racism.”

This story originally appeared in NMI Central, a weekly newsletter from Nazarene Missions International.

Philippines-Micronesia Field cares for pastors' kids through webinar

Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

The Philippines and Micronesia Field held its first Pastors' Kids (PK) webinar, titled "CARE & CONNECT," on 17 May 2025. It was attended by over 100 PKs aged 15 and above from the Philippines. Other Filipino pastors' kids from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, and Taiwan were also present.

Rebecca Grace Muaror, daughter of Regional Director Kafoa Muaror, as well as Pastor Sherwin Rulloda, son of the former Philippine Nazarene College president and a pastor in the USA, shared timely, powerful and encouraging messages that the participants found personally relatable. Likewise, the moving testimonies of the pastors’ kids inspired and resonated with everyone.

The webinar explored the unique experiences of pastors' kids, shedding light on the challenges and benefits of growing up in ministry families. Often, the kids face the pressure of expectations, struggles with identity, and the emotional weight of witnessing the ups and downs of ministry life.

Despite these difficulties, the webinar also celebrated the blessings kids experience—deep spiritual foundations, service opportunities, and faith community connections, all of which shape their personal growth. The speakers encouraged PKs to approach their journey with gratitude, prioritizing self-care and authenticity in their faith.

As they move forward with faith and purpose, may they find support from their community and fully embrace the opportunities for personal growth and a profound sense of purpose in their journey.

In Memoriam: 13 June 2025

Nazarene News Staff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 9-13 June 2025.

Gerald Austin, 76, of Clyde, Alberta, Canada, passed away 1 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada. He is survived by his wife, Ella Austin.

Marjorie Todd, 89, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away 1 June 2025. She was the widow of Chester Todd, a minister who served in Indiana and Kentucky. Chester passed away in 1989.

Frederick Wheeler, 88, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away 3 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Wheeler

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Timothy Brewer elected superintendent of Missouri District

Nazarene News Staff

Tim Brewer was elected superintendent of the Missouri District on 2 June 2025. He has served as the pastor of Ontario Church of the Nazarene in Oregon since 2006.

Brewer's new assignment is effective 1 July 2025. He replaces Michael Palmer, who is retiring after serving as superintendent of the Missouri District since 2006.

Brewer attended Northwest Nazarene College (now University) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1985. He also holds a Master's Degree in Christian Education from Nazarene Theological Seminary and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2020.

He served on staff at Tree City Church of the Nazarene in Idaho from 1985-1987, Olathe College Church of the Nazarene from 1987-1990, and Olympia Mountain View Church of the Nazarene in Washington from 1991-1995. In early 1995, he accepted the pastoral role at Salt Lake City First Church of the Nazarene in Utah serving there until 2006, when he became pastor of Ontario Church of the Nazarene. He has served there since.
He and his wife, Nancy, currently reside in Fruitland, Idaho.

Moving Ministers: May 2025

Nazarene News Staff

Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.

Roles included in the latest report are pastor, student, and pastoral service. Entries were received in May 2025.
To view the May report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

In Memoriam: 6 June 2025

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 2-6 June 2025.

William Belgie, 78, of El Paso, Texas, passed away 27 May 2025. He was a minister who served in New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Belgie.

Richard Brunner, 94, of Weyauwega, Wisconsin, passed away 25 May 2025. He as a retired minister who served in Iowa and Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosette Brunner, who passed away in 1986; second wife, Alyce Brunner, who passed away in 2007; third wife, Hazel Brunner, who passed away in 2013; and fourth wife, Irma Brunner, who passed away in 2022.

Alfred Jones, 87, of Valley Center, California, passed away 29 May 2025. He was a retired missionary who served in Australia, Ethiopia and Keyna for over 20 years. He served as a minister in California, Idaho, and Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Kitty Jones.

Joyce Kidder, 82, of Land O' Lakes, Florida, passed away 27 May 2025. She was the wife of Kermit Kidder, a song evangelist and minister who served in Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, and Arkansas.

Nyoka George, 82, of Vinton, Ohio, passed away 24 May 2025. She was the widow of Herman George, a retired minister who served in West Virginia and Ohio. Herman passed away in 2020.

Daniel Hayes, 79, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, passed away 22 May 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Florida and Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hayes.

Ted Lovelace, 82, of Atchison, Kansas, passed away 26 May 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Kentucky, Indiana, and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Jennie Lovelace.

Elsie Pittam, 97, of Murrieta, California, passed away 28 May 2025. She was a missionary who served in Panama. She was the widow of Robert Pittam, with whom she had served as a missionary. He also served as a minister in California. Robert passed away in 1995.

A. Louise Runyan, 89, of Wood River, Illinois, passed away 24 May 2025. She was the widow of James Runyan, a retired minister who served in Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Alaska. James passed away in 2011.

Kenneth Stirratt, 79, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away 21 May 2025. He was a minister who served in Indiana and Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Stirratt, who passed away in 2020.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Nazarene churches in England awarded eco certification

Eurasia Region Church of the Nazarene

On Sunday mornings at Morley Church of the Nazarene in Leeds, England, congregants pour themselves a cup of hot tea or coffee and chat with a friend.

However, at Morley, the dishes are reusable, and volunteers wash up after the crowd disperses rather than hauling out bags of disposable cups and plastic spoons. The cups and saucers were an intentional decision to care for creation, and now the church is being recognized for its effort.

The congregation at Morley has been awarded “Certified Nazarene Eco-Church” status by Nazarenes for Creation Care (N4CC), a grassroots group that educates churches about creation care. The certificate recognizes the church for its thoughtful, deliberate stewardship of God’s creation.

For Jennie Poppleton, building manager at Morley, the certification has brought a fresh sense of excitement into the church.

“It’s created a real buzz and everybody’s really proud of it,” Poppleton said.

To receive certification, churches must form a team, sign a covenant focused on caring for creation, and pursue personalized solutions to local and global environmental issues. Changes don’t need to be dramatic to make an impact, as demonstrated by the 50 or so people who call Morley home.

Along with reusable mugs and teacups for Sunday fellowship, the church also creates craft projects using upcycled and repurposed goods, and when old light bulbs go out, they’re swapped for LED bulbs. The changes arise naturally, aligning with Morley’s commitment to use every item as long as possible.

Morley's uniform exchange program emerged in a similar way. Morley’s charity shop often received donated school clothes, and as a parent and former primary school teacher, Poppleton knew that school uniforms were often outgrown before they were outworn. After the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, area parents faced a dilemma.

“When the kids started back to school, the parents were struggling because they’d got kids who had suddenly grown, and the uniform didn’t fit them, and we couldn’t go shopping like we’d used to,” Poppleton said.

Poppleton and church volunteers saw the need and created the uniform exchange. Donations trickle in throughout the year, and each uniform is cared for by a member of the congregation: holes are patched, missing buttons are replaced, and faulty zippers are fixed up.

During school holidays, the church hosts pop-up shops, where community members come and take what they need. More than 5,000 pieces of uniform have been saved from landfills while actively supporting families in the surrounding area.

The uniform exchange has also fostered relationships with community schools, which now donate unclaimed, lost clothing at the end of the academic year instead of throwing the items away. Students are involved, too— Poppleton and the team intentionally engage their youth as a part of the ministry.

“We have a team of young adults who help at the events to get them having conversations with their friends,” Poppleton said.

The Morley congregation wants its students to embrace the model as well so that “wearing second-hand becomes second nature.”

To the west of Morley, Manchester’s Longsight Community Church of the Nazarene has also received N4CC’s Eco-Church Certification. During the pandemic, the church had to rely on single-use, disposable cups, plates, and silverware. As a result, the plot of land behind the church building became overgrown and underutilized.

Once the pandemic subsided, says Reverend Nicole McConkey, “We had to start to think again and say, ‘this is not good.’”

The church returned to reusable cups and silverware for fellowship after Sunday services. For larger events, they purchase compostable single-use dinnerware. The overgrown plot of land behind the church is now lush—its weeds replaced by raised garden beds—thanks to a partnership with a local ministry serving the homeless.

The ministry brings its clients out to work the garden and surrounding grounds. In turn, these visitors harvest and cook the food they grow. Last season’s rhubarb became a crumble—the potatoes whipped into bangers and mash.

“I mean, it was absolutely overgrown,” McConkey said, remembering the garden’s prior state. “It was just amazing the transformation.”

This story was originally published by the Eurasia Region. To read the story in full, click here.