Church of the Nazarene https://www.nazarene.org/rss.xml en In Memoriam: 14 February 2025 https://www.nazarene.org/article/memoriam-14-february-2025 <h2>In Memoriam: 14 February 2025</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2021-11/In%20Memoriam.png" width="750" height="400" alt="In Memoriam" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/13/2025 - 23:01</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 10-14 February 2025.</p> <p><strong>Charity Bartel</strong>, 51, of Visalia, California, passed away 6 February 2025. She was the pastor of Goshen Community Church of the Nazarene in Visalia. She is survived by her husband, Benjamin Bartel Sr.</p> <p><strong>Wilson Deaton</strong>, 64, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away 4 February 2025. He was the pastor of Kenosha Family Church of the Nazarene. He served previously in Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Robin Deaton. </p> <p><strong style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;">Ronald Nelson</strong><span style="letter-spacing: 0.02em;">, 91, of Onalaska, Texas, passed away on 12 January 2025.</span> He was a retired minister who served in Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Nelson, who passed away in 2019. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Corrine Nelsen, who passed away in 2001.</p> <p><b>Donna Roth</b>, 94, of San Bernardino, California, 19 January 2025. Donna was the widow of Richard Roth, a retired minister and educator who served in California. Richard passed away 3 October 2024.</p> <p>To view past editions of <i>In Memoriam, </i><a href="https://www.nazarene.org/all-news?keywords=&amp;tag%5B0%5D=56&amp;tag%5B1%5D=56&amp;sort_by=created" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p>--Compiled by Nazarene News</p> </div> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 23:01:31 +0000 dlsperry94 8083 at https://www.nazarene.org M25 emphasizes bringing people to Jesus https://www.nazarene.org/article/m25-emphasizes-bringing-people-jesus <h2>M25 emphasizes bringing people to Jesus</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/M25%20Main.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="M25 Main" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/13/2025 - 21:28</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>Around 3,500 people from the USA/Canada Region gathered 10-12 February at the Kansas City Convention Center for M25, the region’s missional conference held every four years. The conference focused on evangelism, with the theme of “Gospel: Bringing people to Jesus.”</p> <p><meta charset="UTF-8" />"The Lord met his people at M25 as we lifted up 'Bringing people to Jesus,'" said USA/Canada Region Director Stan Reeder. "Every time I think of the way the Spirit moved, my eyes fill with tears. The Lord is doing a deeper, further work across the USA and Canada. He is enlarging our hearts for the lost."</p> <p>Workshops and mega-seminars helped contextualize the conference theme for attendees serving in various ministries, from compassionate work to local churches. The exhibit hall was filled with 92 vibrant exhibits from Nazarene ministries and partner organizations.<img alt="Exhibit Hall" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c99ab697-fd73-480c-b4b8-dd3a30a0af91" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Exhibit%20Hall.jpg" class="align-right" /></p> <p>A team of worship leaders and musicians from around the region led worship during each plenary session. The plenary sessions were titled Begin, Relate, Imagine, Next, and Gospel, an acronym for “BRING,” emphasizing bringing people to Jesus.</p> <p>USA/Canada Region Director Stan Reeder opened M25’s plenary sessions with his sermon titled “Begin.” Reeder focused on the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15, asking the church to pray for God to give them a heart for the lost.</p> <p>General Superintendent Carla Sunberg spoke on Tuesday morning with a message on “Relate.” She explored the story of the revival on the Isle of Lewis and the relational nature that gives revival a platform. She closed by encouraging the church to come to the Lord with clean hands and hearts so that revival may come.</p> <p>Adam Keller, youth pastor at Valparaiso Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, said the part of Sunberg’s message that stood out to him was that revival often starts with laity.</p> <p>“As a youth pastor, part of my job is being relational with the students and helping them understand that God wants to work through them,” Keller said.</p> <p>LaMorris Crawford, a Nazarene evangelist, spoke on Tuesday night and encouraged the church to be willing to imagine what God’s power can do and the great things that may come even if we are in “the pit” or “the palace.”<img alt="Basketball" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a56df56e-6623-4f3d-bebf-5c311acc3b9e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Basketball.jpg" class="align-left" /></p> <p>Kevin Jack, lead pastor at Church for the One in Lakeland, Florida, spoke on Wednesday morning under the theme “Next.” He discussed the Parable of the Sower, noting that sowers must recognize that the power is truly in the seed. He encouraged the “sowers” to sow seeds for an awakening generation.</p> <p>John C. Maxwell gave the final plenary session on Wednesday night. He shared his experiences sharing the Gospel and leading people to faith in Christ. He challenged the church to be willing and intentional about entering “their” world to reach the lost and bring them to Jesus.</p> <p>Among the 3,500 present at M25 were 250 college students from five schools in the USA/Canada Region. They enjoyed a special event on Tuesday night, hosted at the College Basketball Hall of Fame and hosted by the USA/Canada Nazarene Youth International team.</p> <p>Amber Evans, a sophomore at Southern Nazarene University, said the event was an impactful and encouraging experience for college students and future ministers in the Church of the Nazarene.</p> <p>“We’re not just the church of tomorrow but the church of today,” Evans said. “I think that’s been encouraging and supportive.”</p> <p><img alt="Group Prayer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55ddd5c8-3079-47ef-b97d-0f707d103bee" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Group%20Prayer%20phto.jpg" /></p> </div> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:28:23 +0000 dlsperry94 8082 at https://www.nazarene.org Shechem Children’s Home launches foster care program https://www.nazarene.org/article/shechem-childrens-home-launches-foster-care-program <h2>Shechem Children’s Home launches foster care program</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/Shechem%20Children%27s%20Home.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="Shechem Children&#039;s Home" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/13/2025 - 21:21</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>Shechem Children’s Home, supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Philippines and Holistic Child Development, has partnered with the International Justice Mission and National Authority for Child Care to launch a foster care program for the survivors of online sexual exploitation of children. </p> <p>The partnership was formalized with a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on 23 January 2025. This partnership signifies the commitment and support of the partner organizations to this pioneering program between a government agency, nongovernment organization, and church-based ministry to support the holistic and long-term needs of these children.</p> <p>Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal of NACC, Jaime Eniceo of NCM, and Sam Inocencio of IJM represented their organizations during the momentous event. During the event, Gigi Tupas, IJM head of national activation, welcomed and reminded everyone of the journey and engagement of the Church of the Nazarene in protecting children from exploitation and caring for the victims and survivors through Shechem Children’s Home. </p> <p>Dolly Rubia, IJM’s National Aftercare Development director, presented the MOA’s overview and contents, including the responsibilities and obligations of the signing organizations. The partner organizations’ representatives shared messages of commitment and encouragement to everyone who joined to witness the ceremony.</p> <p>Shechem Children’s Home commits to this partnership to increase the number of foster families for survivors. Analyn Ablao, center manager, and Zyra Capampangan, a social worker, represented Shechem at the ceremony.</p> <p>--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region</p> </div> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:21:47 +0000 dlsperry94 8081 at https://www.nazarene.org Blessing and hope: A visit that impacts children in Guatemala https://www.nazarene.org/article/blessing-and-hope-visit-impacts-children-guatemala <h2>Blessing and hope: A visit that impacts children in Guatemala</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/Guatemala%20children%27s%20visit.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="Guatemala Children&#039;s Visit" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/13/2025 - 19:26</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>From January 17 to 25, a life-changing visit occurred at the Jireh Holisitic Development Center (HDC) led by Raxruhá Iglesia del Nazareno in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. A group from the Intermountain District, USA, joined young people from various Guatemalan districts to bless both the center and the community within the framework of a Maximum Mission.</p> <p>The team, led by Damaris Kellogg, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for the North Central Field, and Rosario (Charito) Xuc, coordinator of Comprehensive Child Development for the North Central Field, carried out various high-impact activities. During the visit, approximately 100 children—beneficiaries of the HDC program and neighbors of the community—received medical care, medicines, and vitamins adapted to their specific needs.</p> <p>Xuc prayed individually with each child, presenting them with the message of salvation. This valuable spiritual encounter allowed several to make a profession of faith, marking a spiritual harvest.</p> <p>In the recreational and sports field, the team began the construction of a basketball and soccer field to provide children with a safe space for their physical activities. While waiting for their medical appointment, physical and spiritual activities were carried out that strengthened the community spirit and commitment to faith. In addition, an innovative dental care program was implemented. </p> <p>Through songs, stories, and practices, children learned the importance of oral care and hygiene, each receiving a dental cleaning kit to continue this practice at home.</p> <p>At the end of the activities, a group of about 40 people went out to evangelize and visit 30 homes, sharing the message of salvation on each visit. As a result of this commitment, 24 people, including children and adults, decided to give their lives to Jesus during that week.</p> <p>Damaris Kellogg highlighted that the HDC coordinator, Edgar Tut, and his team expressed their deep gratitude for the visit of both groups and for the activities carried out to enhance the work of the Lord. </p> <p>“We thank Iglesia del Nazareno Raxuhá, its pastor, Marcos Elías Chaman Maquín, and the women of the Daughters of the King ministry for their hospitality during this week,” Kellogg said. “May God bless their work, and may every boy and girl know that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”</p> <p>--Mesoamerica Region Church of the Nazarene</p> </div> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:26:41 +0000 dlsperry94 8080 at https://www.nazarene.org NBC elects John Bowling as interim President https://www.nazarene.org/article/nbc-tabs-john-bowling-interim-president <h2>NBC elects John Bowling as interim President</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/BOWLING%20USE_4.png" width="1500" height="800" alt="John Bowling" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/13/2025 - 19:14</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>The Nazarene Bible College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the unanimous election of John C. Bowling as interim president. He will assume leadership on 1 March 2025.</p> <p>Bowling will follow Scott Sherwood, who has accepted the call to pastor Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene.</p> <p>Bowling’s distinguished career in Christian higher education spans three decades as the longest-serving president of Olivet Nazarene University. He also held the positions of senior pastor of the College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and senior pastor of Dallas First Church of the Nazarene in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, he has been a faculty member at Nazarene Bible College and Olivet Nazarene University.</p> <p>Beyond his ministry and higher education endeavors, Bowling has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Nazarene Publishing House and the Church of the Nazarene Foundation Board. He has also been a past member of the USA/Canada Council of Education and the International Board of Education for the Church of the Nazarene. Furthermore, Bowling is a published author of four books and over 60 published articles.  </p> <p>Through a thorough and rigorous search process, NBC identified John Bowling as a desirable candidate to lead NBC through this transition period. His extensive experience, unwavering drive, and profound passion make him well-equipped to guide NBC effectively.</p> <p>“We are confident that through prayerful discernment and divine providence, the selection of John Bowling brings to NBC a leader who possesses the requisite leadership abilities and significant grasp of the mission of the church, with qualities to lead NBC during this interim season,” said  Phillip Fuller, chairman of the NBC Board of Trustees.</p> <p>Despite the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly regarding online delivery systems, the mission and role of NBC remain paramount. Bowling is eager to contribute to the next chapter of the college’s service to the church.</p> <p>--Nazarene Bible College</p> <p class="Default" style="margin-top:0in;line-height:normal;tab-stops:28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt 364.0pt 392.0pt 420.0pt 448.0pt"><p></p></p> </div> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:14:07 +0000 dlsperry94 8079 at https://www.nazarene.org BGS statement on Immigration https://www.nazarene.org/article/bgs-statement-immigration <h2>BGS statement on Immigration</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/BGS%20Group%20Shot_news.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="BGS Group Shot News" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Fri, 02/07/2025 - 22:41</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>The Board of General Superintendents has consistently called the Church of the Nazarene to show compassion for immigrants and refugees. At its February 2025 meeting, the Board of General Superintendents reaffirmed the 2015 BGS statement on immigration that reads:</p> <p><em>The significant global immigration and the divisive political debate in many nations compel the Board of General Superintendents to speak clearly and biblically to this challenging topic, inviting all Nazarenes to express Christian love to immigrants who live among us:</em></p> <p><em>The Hebrew word </em>gēr<em> and the Greek word </em>xenos<em> can be defined as “immigrant.”</em></p> <p><em>“If an immigrant dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The immigrant who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33–34, NKJV). Our Lord quoted, “Love him as yourself,” as part of the Greatest Commandment! </em></p> <p><em>Jesus said: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was an immigrant and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35, NIV). </em></p> <p><em>“Do not forget to show hospitality to immigrants, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels” (Hebrews 13:2, NIV). </em></p> <p><em>While we recognize the complexity of immigration laws in various nations, the Board of General Superintendents calls on Nazarenes around the world:</em></p> <ul> <li><em>To treat immigrants with love, respect, and mercy. </em></li> <li><em>To participate sacrificially in local, national, and global compassionate ministry responses to assist refugees and immigrants.</em></li> <li><em>To encourage their respective governments to approve equitable laws that will allow for family reunification, legal work permits for productive immigrants in the workforce, and pathways for undocumented immigrants to be able to obtain authorized immigrant status.</em></li> <li><em>To follow the clear biblical mandate to love, welcome, assist, evangelize, and disciple the immigrants near</em> <em>us.</em></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><em>--</em> Board of General Superintendents</p> </div> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 22:41:40 +0000 dlsperry94 8072 at https://www.nazarene.org Moving Ministers: January 2025 https://www.nazarene.org/article/moving-ministers-january-2025 <h2>Moving Ministers: January 2025</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2021-05/Moving%20Min.jpg" width="750" height="400" alt="Moving Min" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Fri, 02/07/2025 - 15:23</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, <em>Moving Ministers</em> is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.</p> <p>Roles included in the latest report are pastor, student, and pastoral service. Entries were received in January 2024</p> <p>To view the January report, <a href="https://usacanadaregion.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/January%202025%20Moving%20Ministers.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p>For previous reports, see <a href="https://usacanadaregion.org/moving-ministers" target="_blank">usacanadanazarene.org</a>.</p> </div> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:23:31 +0000 dlsperry94 8077 at https://www.nazarene.org In Memoriam: 7 February 2025 https://www.nazarene.org/article/memoriam-7-february-2025 <h2>In Memoriam: 7 February 2025</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2021-04/In%20Memoriam.png" width="750" height="400" alt="Coastal Sunrise" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/06/2025 - 23:42</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 3-7 February 2025.</p> <p><strong>Gary Bunch</strong>, 84, of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, passed away 23 January 2025. He was a retired missionary who served in Portugal and Brazil. He served as a minister in Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Carol Bunch. </p> <p><strong>Virlon Chambers</strong>, 69, of Vici, Oklahoma, passed away 1 February 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arizona. </p> <p><strong>Roberto Hodgson</strong>, 64, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away 3 February 2025. He served as the Multicultural Ministries Director for the USA/Canada Region. He served as district superintendent of the Southwest Latin District and ministered in Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Carol.</p> <p><strong>Gary Wilcox</strong>, 66, of Warren, Michigan, passed away 30 January 2025. He was the husband of Judy Wilcox, a retired minister who served in Michigan.</p> <p>To view past editions of <i>In Memoriam, </i><a href="https://www.nazarene.org/all-news?keywords=&amp;tag%5B0%5D=56&amp;tag%5B1%5D=56&amp;sort_by=created" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p>--Compiled by Nazarene News</p> </div> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:42:52 +0000 dlsperry94 8076 at https://www.nazarene.org India woman answers call to children's advocacy https://www.nazarene.org/article/india-woman-answers-call-childrens-advocacy <h2>India woman answers call to children&#039;s advocacy</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/IMG_8068%20copy.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="Komal" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/06/2025 - 23:05</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>During a Sunday morning worship service in 2021, Komal Waghmare sensed God placing a sudden, clear burden on her heart. She knew then that he wanted her to advocate for children through the Church of the Nazarene.</p> <p>“It was out of the blue,” Waghmare remembers. “God just put this heaviness in my heart, and I’m going, ‘God, how do I do this?’”</p> <p>For over a decade, Waghmare had devoted her career to advocating for children through secular nonprofit and child development programs in India. Now, God was asking her to serve the most vulnerable through her church. He had been preparing the way for years, surprising Waghmare at every turn. In 2020, she enrolled to pursue her Master of Divinity. She didn’t understand why but knew God was leading her to deepen her theological understanding. </p> <p>“I want you to earn a degree for me,” Waghmare felt God was saying. </p> <p>She was baffled. She had already earned a graduate degree in business and had no intention of working in ministry. But she submitted to God’s will and began studying for her Master of Divinity.</p> <p>In 2023, Waghmare decided to pursue a doctorate in holistic child development. The only program available that fit her needs was through Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. She enrolled, wondering what God was up to.</p> <p>“Again, my heart was very restless,”  Waghmare said. “Because the calling was there, but no door was opened.” </p> <p>Unable to share Jesus through her current job, Waghmare continued praying for an opportunity to connect her theological training and passion with her everyday work.</p> <p>A few months later, God spoke to Waghmare again after attending an event at South Asia Nazarene Bible College. She had been surprised by the global representation at the celebration in Kolkata. The Church of the Nazarene suddenly seemed much more significant and widespread than she had ever understood. God prompted her to do a further search so that she could learn more about the church.</p> <p>“Scroll Google and see,” Waghmare remembers sensing. “What is the Church of the Nazarene?” </p> <p>She found the Nazarene website, which led to learning more about the Eurasia Region and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM). </p> <p>“Wow,” Waghmare remembers thinking. “I am a member of such a large, global church!”</p> <p>That’s when she saw the job opening. NCM was seeking a holistic child development coordinator for the Eurasia Region. </p> <p>“And guess what?” Komal says, laughing. “I was already late to submit my application.” </p> <p>She immediately began wrestling with God. She was doing well in her job, and a promotion was looming. She knew absolutely nothing about NCM. Again, God nudged Waghmare. He reminded her of the burden he had put on her heart in 2021 and her prayer for opportunity. </p> <p>“He led me to see that this was the door being opened after so long,”  Waghmare said. She applied and landed the job. “I can tell you it has been the hand of God that has brought me, first and foremost, to this role,” Waghmare said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”</p> <p>Waghmare’s desire in her new role is simple: She wants every child to know that they have a voice, a purpose on this earth, and are precious in God’s sight.</p> <p>“Compassion goes way beyond just charity,” she adds. “It goes toward developing, strengthening, empowering, and building agency in children.”</p> <p>“I’m so passionate about it that I get to help churches see the role of a child,” Waghmare said. “The Bible speaks so much about children and the place of children being in the midst of the church…from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has used children to do things that adults could never do.”</p> <p>Ultimately, Waghmare is eager to help grow the Body of Christ through the lives of children and their grown-ups across Eurasia.</p> <p>“Through the compassion that [children and grown-ups] show in the community, the community is drawn to the church,” Waghmare said. “And it’s drawn to Christ.”</p> <p>--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia</p> </div> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:05:21 +0000 dlsperry94 8075 at https://www.nazarene.org Celebrating the life, ministry of Roberto Hodgson https://www.nazarene.org/article/celebrating-life-ministry-roberto-hodgson <h2>Celebrating the life, ministry of Roberto Hodgson</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field-news-media field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2025-02/Hodgson.jpg" width="1500" height="800" alt="Hodgson" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> <span><span lang="" about="/user/181" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dlsperry94</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:54</span> <div class="field field--name-field-news-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field-news-body field__item"><p>Roberto Hodgson, 64, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away 3 February 2025 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He served as a minister and district superintendent before becoming director of Multicultural Ministries for the USA/Canada Region Church of the Nazarene.</p> <p>“Even in his last week, he tirelessly continued his ministry,” said USA/Canada Regional Director Stan Reeder. “Only eternity will reveal how many thousands of souls across Canada, the USA, and around the world have entered the Kingdom through his unrelenting commitment to multicultural ministry. I can hear our Lord’s voice ringing in eternity: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…come and share your Master’s happiness.’ Our prayers are with Carol, Andrea, and Emily in their great loss.”</p> <p>Hodgson was born on 10 March 1960 in Managua, Nicaragua. Hodgson immigrated to the United States in 1979. He answered God’s call to ministry in his life by going to Costa Rica and studying at <em>Seminario Nazareno de las Américas</em>. He earned a bachelor's degree in theology and, during his time, helped establish the Church of the Nazarene in San Pedro de Poas, Costa Rica.</p> <p>He earned a master’s degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1992, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Graduate Theological Foundation in 2002. </p> <p>As a minister, he served at Washington Mosaic Church of the Nazarene and College Park Fountain of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Maryland. He then served at Laurel Hosanna Church of the Nazarene from 1996 to 1997 before working with the Mid-Atlantic District until 2007. </p> <p>In June of 2007, he was elected superintendent of the Southwest Latin American District. Five years later, he became the Multicultural Ministries director for the USA/Canada Region.</p> <p>He is survived by his wife, Carol Hodgson; daughters, Andrea Welch and Kelly Miller; and five grandchildren.</p> <p>A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at 12 p.m. at Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.</p> </div> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:54:50 +0000 dlsperry94 8074 at https://www.nazarene.org