Church of the Nazarene

Eastern Nazarene College announces three new fully online degree programs

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:45:06 +0000

Eastern Nazarene College announces three new fully online degree programs

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 19:45

Eastern Nazarene College has received accreditation for three new, fully online programs, bringing the college’s online degree offerings to seven.

The newly accredited programs will begin 8 July 2024 and are approved for full online delivery. In addition to full accreditation, all online program offerings have recently lowered tuition, furthering the college’s commitment to removing the barriers to affordable, high-quality, faith-based education. ENC Online undergraduate program offerings are $390 per credit hour and graduate programs are $550.

Beginning 8 July, the college will offer an Associate of Arts degree in general studies, a Bachelor of Arts in management, and a Master of Science in management – information technology. These three programs join ENC’s existing four online degree programs and are conducted asynchronously.

Director of Online Enrollment Jennifer Adkins says she “could not be more thrilled about the NECHE approval of our new fully online degree offerings.”

“The Associate of Arts in general studies, the Bachelor of Arts in management, and the Master of Science in management – information technology programs open up incredible opportunities for students near and far,” Adkins said.

The demand for online and distance education programs has risen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrolled students and potential learners quickly realized the value of flexible education opportunities when colleges and universities began offering online courses.
“These programs allow working adults, parents, and others who may have faced barriers to access high-quality, Christ-centered education from an accredited institution,” Adkins said. “Our online formats provide the flexibility they need to balance work, family, and other commitments.”

Applications are open for all programs and cohorts.
--Eastern Nazarene College

Nazarenes respond to devastating floods in Brazil

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 19:17:25 +0000

Nazarenes respond to devastating floods in Brazil

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 19:17

Torrential rainfall in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has caused widespread flooding, resulting in significant displacement in several areas and leaving entire communities on alert. The rains began on 27 April, leading to a significant increase in river levels that flooded cities and villages.

According to Brazil's Civil Defense, 458 municipalities were affected by the floods, displacing more than 530,000 people and directly affecting more than 2 million. To date, 151 deaths have been confirmed. The Churches of the Nazarene in Canoas, Eldorado do Sul, Novo Hamburgo, Venâncio Aires, Alvorada, and Viamão were directly affected, and several houses in the region were invaded by water.

Local authorities have warned of the risk of landslides in mountainous areas and unstable slopes, further increasing concerns about the safety of the population. In addition to the immediate impacts on communities, the floods also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including damaged bridges, the closure of the region's main airport, and interruptions in the supply of electricity and drinking water.

The Church of the Nazarene in Brazil has come together to help respond to this crisis.

"Never has a verse been as current as Isaiah 41:6 (NIV), which says: 'They help each other, and say to their companions, 'Be strong','" said Manuel Lima, director of the denomination’s Brazil sub-region.

In response to this emergency, all districts in Brazil have been collecting donations of non-perishable food, cleaning materials, personal hygiene products, mineral water, bedding, and clothing in a joint effort called S.O.S Rio Grande do Sul, an arm of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Brazil that works to help in times of crisis.

While rains continue to fall in some regions, the population remains in a state of vigilance. Nazarene volunteers plan to distribute donations in three strategic locations, possibly extending to five locations in total. The distributions will begin as soon as the waters recede enough for travel to be possible.

The Gaúcho District covers the affected area of Rio Grande do Sul, home to more than 1,000 Nazarene members.

"The big challenge will be when the waters recede, and people return to their homes, some of whom won't even have their homes to clean," said District Superintendent Romero Moreira. "It is a bleak picture with many needs, but it is precisely the time to be the Lord's church in this region."

Daniel Antonio, logistics coordinator at S.O.S Rio Grande do Sul, wants to focus on the impact they can make in the community beyond just responding to the disaster.

"Our focus must be beyond the disaster and on the continuity of this work, helping these people to regain their dignity and their lives," Antonio said. "We see this as an excellent opportunity to bring the love of Christ to those who are suffering so much, thus showing the importance of the local church."

Please continue to pray for the people of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Bradley Estep elected superintendent of Arizona District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:44:13 +0000

Bradley Estep elected superintendent of Arizona District

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:44

Bradley Estep was elected superintendent of the Arizona District on 10 May 2024. He is currently the pastor of Sun City Church of the Nazarene in Arizona.

“I am humbled to be elected to serve as the next District Superintendent of the Arizona District," Estep said. "In every way, I will do my very best, with the help of the Spirit, to honor Christ and serve his kingdom purposes.”

Estep’s assignment is effective 10 June 2024. He will replace Douglas Pierce, who has served as superintendent of the Arizona District since 2012.

Brad attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. He earned a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1991 and a Master of Theology in 1992 from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary.

His first ministerial assignment was at Richmond Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Virginia, where he pastored from 1993 to 2000. In 2000, he moved to Florida, where he pastored St. Petersburg Victory Church of the Nazarene until 2002. In 2002, he began pastoring at Winter Haven First Church of the Nazarene, serving until 2008.

In 2008, he made the move to Kansas City, pastoring Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene in Missouri until 2017. Estep has pastored Sun City Church of the Nazarene in Arizona since 2017. He has also served as the district secretary for the Arizona District since 2020.

Brad and his wife, Dawn, currently reside in Surprise, Arizona.

Asia-Pacific NMI hosts Love for Missions event

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 May 2024 15:40:31 +0000

Asia-Pacific NMI hosts Love for Missions event

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/16/2024 - 15:40

The Asia-Pacific Region gathered on 28 April 2024 for the third year of the Love for Missions celebration, which was held via Zoom. Since 2022, the regional Nazarene Missions International has continuously connected Nazarene missionaries to local churches and districts. It is the regional team's way of letting the missionaries know others are on the journey with them and that they are not alone in the field.

Missionaries were assigned by Global NMI to partner with the Asia-Pacific Region through the Links program. Links is a network of personal connections between missionaries and Nazarene districts worldwide. Participating missionaries are assigned to districts to help foster a personal connection with a local church.

Six missionary couples from various regions were introduced to their host region at the event: Errol and Rhonda Carrim (Africa), Miguel and Irene Garita (Costa Rica), Esteban and Dhariana Murillo (Panama), Tim and Michelle Eby (Africa), Pablo and Viviana Tello (Paraguay), and Joe and Amy Hall (USA/Canada).

David and Rhonda Ackerman led an engaging discussion with the Links missionaries through a question-and-answer session. The participants spent significant time getting to know them as they introduced themselves, their family life, and the kind of work they do, describing their call to missions and how it was confirmed. They also shared their current ministries and prayer requests.

Links Coordinator Debra Voelker welcomed the missionaries alongside David Hane, the Asia-Pacific regional personnel coordinator. Regional Director Mark Louw expressed his warm welcome and assured the missionaries that the Asia-Pacific Region loves them. Regional Missions Mobilization Coordinator Marcio Batista encouraged the participants to learn more about missions.

The Asia-Pacific Region aims to connect the local churches to missionaries, in order to creates awareness of the vast need to reach the unreached people groups, the lost, the last, and the least.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Illinois church blesses senior adult community

dlsperry94 — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:45:37 +0000

Illinois church blesses senior adult community

dlsperry94 Wed, 05/15/2024 - 19:45

When the Church of the Nazarene congregation in Manteno, Illinois, looked for ways to meet needs within its community, they started by simply looking outside. In less than one year, the church has started a program for senior adults that has brought much-needed service and support to the community seniors and revitalized the seniors within the congregation.

"If you stand out in our church parking lot and turn 360 degrees, 67 percent of the people you're looking at are age 55 and up," said MC Milestones Director Teddie Hill.

Four senior living communities are visible from the Manteno Church of the Nazarene building, and the town is home to two other assisted living facilities. Manteno Lead Pastor Ken Bushey issued a challenge to find a way to serve the people in those communities.

"Even though our church is very diverse age-wise, he saw that this was a need that was not being met," Hill said.

The MC Milestones team learned that one of the most significant issues facing the senior adults was the feeling of isolation and lonliness, so the church started offering events at its facility.

From free bunco game nights to a Christian comedy show, guest speakers, and singers, the events and accompanying meals have helped bring people into Manteno Nazarene. The church's latest "Lunch and Laugh" event was attended by 150 people, only a quarter of whom were from the church.

The events have led to connections with community members who opened the team's eyes to needs ranging from food insecurity to a lack of affordable medical equipment.

"We have a team of people that assist [seniors by connecting them] with the agencies we partner with," Hill said. "Or, if they fall through the cracks as some people do, we look and see what we can do."

In addition to the entertainment events, MC Milestones has also held educational talks on cybersecurity. Other outreaches include a group of senior care companions who visit homebound seniors and lead them in a Bible study.

MC Milestones is mostly self-funded with some help from donors. Recently, the team received a matching grant from the USA/Canada Region through the Blessing Our Community initiative.

While most of MC Milestones' efforts have been focused on the community, the church has intentionally sought to impact the senior adults who regularly attend Manteno Nazarene.

Hill noted how the church has evolved from what many members have grown up knowing it to be.

"This is not just for our church," Hill said. "But what has happened is that when you walk into our church, there is a revitalization with our seniors."

At every MC Milestones event, attendees can fill out an information card to receive birthday and anniversary cards and information about upcoming events. The card also has a space for prayer requests. Hill says that at their last event, ten people filled out the prayer request section, only one of whom is a regular attendee of Manteno Church of the Nazarene.

A group of retired ministers and spouses called the "Shepherds Sharing" prays over those cards. Community members often text and email Hill asking for prayer or help with odd jobs.

"Sometimes you gotta get down in the nitty gritty with people and show them Jesus," Hill said. "That's the bridge. You build the bridge from what we're doing to our community, and on that bridge is where we show them Jesus."

Receiving Certificate of Lay Ministry for First Quarter of 2024

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:06:06 +0000

Receiving Certificate of Lay Ministry for First Quarter of 2024

Alaska District

Charlie Foster of Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene.

Australian Southern District

John Baxter of Croydon Community Church of the Nazarene.

Bostwana District

Dorcas Nonofo Moyo of Francistown Church of the Nazarene.

Canada Pacific District

Vic Holmquist of Legacy Church of the Nazarene.

Shirley Moore of Victoria First Church of the Nazarene.

Central California District

Curtis Brenton of Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene.

Central Gulf Coast District

Nicholas Young of Valley First Church of the Nazarene.

Illinois District

Charles H. Wiegand of Glenview Church of the Nazarene.

Joplin District

Rob Hunt of Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kansas City District

Dora Castrejon of New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kentucky District

Tracy Frauenkecht of Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Maine District

Kelly R. Hasselbrack of Bangor First Church of the Nazarene.

Nambia Central District

Mwambu John Intja of Church of the Nazarene.

New Mexico District

Molly Kathleen Miller of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Pam Prall of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Southwest Indiana District

Kendra Dee Castleberry of Saint Bernice First Church of the Nazarene.

Virginia District

Michael Walker of Compassion Church of the Nazarene.

We would also like to congratulate those who have completed the following courses.*

Canada Central District

BerylAnne Hodgins of Family Life Church of the Nazarene completed The Bible Speaks to Me About My Witness.

East Tennessee District

Jerry McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Ruth McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Georgia District

Ron Gulliford of Griffin First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Intermountain District

Joseph Garner of Nyssa Church of the Nazarene completed Exploring Nazarene History and Polity.

Maine District

Kelly Hasselbrack of Bangor First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Christlike Disciple Makers and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Metro New York District

Anthony Glen of Griffin First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring Nazarene History and Polity, Exploring John Wesley’s Theology, How to Study the Bible, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

RSA Southeastern District

Nancy Julie Mhlanga of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene How to Study the Bible, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Khulekani Nkabinde of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene completed Telling the New Testament Story of God and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Southern Florida District

Julie Himmelsbach of North Miami Beach Church of the Nazarene completed I Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.

South Texas District

Eddie Guerra of Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Upstate New York District

Robert Keister, Jr of Grace Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Disciples in Small Groups.

*Please note the above individuals are being recognized because they contacted us to request a certificate of completion. Many individuals complete courses but do not contact us to let us know, so we are unable to recognize them.

Alaska District

Charlie Foster of Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene.

Australian Southern District

John Baxter of Croydon Community Church of the Nazarene.

Bostwana District

Dorcas Nonofo Moyo of Francistown Church of the Nazarene.

Canada Pacific District

Vic Holmquist of Legacy Church of the Nazarene.

Shirley Moore of Victoria First Church of the Nazarene.

Central California District

Curtis Brenton of Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene.

Central Gulf Coast District

Nicholas Young of Valley First Church of the Nazarene.

Illinois District

Charles H. Wiegand of Glenview Church of the Nazarene.

Joplin District

Rob Hunt of Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kansas City District

Dora Castrejon of New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kentucky District

Tracy Frauenkecht of Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Maine District

Kelly R. Hasselbrack of Bangor First Church of the Nazarene.

Nambia Central District

Mwambu John Intja of Church of the Nazarene.

New Mexico District

Molly Kathleen Miller of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Pam Prall of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Southwest Indiana District

Kendra Dee Castleberry of Saint Bernice First Church of the Nazarene.

Virginia District

Michael Walker of Compassion Church of the Nazarene.

We would also like to congratulate those who have completed the following courses.*

Canada Central District

BerylAnne Hodgins of Family Life Church of the Nazarene completed The Bible Speaks to Me About My Witness.

East Tennessee District

Jerry McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Ruth McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Georgia District

Ron Gulliford of Griffin First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Intermountain District

Joseph Garner of Nyssa Church of the Nazarene completed Exploring Nazarene History and Polity.

Maine District

Kelly Hasselbrack of Bangor First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Christlike Disciple Makers and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Metro New York District

RSA Southeastern District

Nancy Julie Mhlanga of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene How to Study the Bible, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Khulekani Nkabinde of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene completed Telling the New Testament Story of God and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Southern Florida District

Julie Himmelsbach of North Miami Beach Church of the Nazarene completed I Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.

South Texas District

Eddie Guerra of Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Upstate New York District

Robert Keister, Jr of Grace Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Disciples in Small Groups.

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:06

Tags

Certificate Lay Ministry First Quarter 2024

Search for new Global NDI Director

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:54:50 +0000

Search for new Global NDI Director

The NDI team will miss Dr. Scott Rainey’s leadership as NDI director. We continue to pray that God will bless him as he pastors the Huntington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana. His contributions to NDI and the Church of the Nazarene will continue to guide us for years to come.

Now, we are looking for a new global leader for NDI. In fact, as you are reading this, it is likely that our new global NDI director has already been selected! Since February, the Global NDI Council, under the leadership of Dr. David Busic (the jurisdictional general superintendent), has been engaged in a process for finding a new global director as spelled out in the bylaws. In March, a profile was developed, based upon input from leaders across the global church. Utilizing that profile, potential candidates were received and reviewed by the Board of General Superintendents. In late April, the Global Council met with Dr. Busic to recommend three to five of the best candidates to be interviewed by the Board of General Superintendents. A ballot was then prepared by the Global Council and Dr. Busic, which was ratified by the Local Church Ministries Committee of the General Board. From this ballot, the Board of General Superintendents will elect the next NDI director.

Keep an eye out for the announcement of our new director. If you have not already received it, it will be coming soon!

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:54

Nazarene Discipleship International

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New Global NDI Director

The Discipleship Place Recently Released the Thessalonians Bible Study

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:39:16 +0000

The Discipleship Place Recently Released the Thessalonians Bible Study

You can now find the Thessalonians Bible study at DiscipleshipPlace.org. This resource is an in-depth study with rich insights that will give anyone a deeper understanding of Scripture. The original editors were Norman R. Oke and Ralph Earle. Thanks to the work of Dr. Daryll Stanton and Natasha Skyba, the Bible study has been revised. You can get started now! From the home page, click on Study > Biblical Studies and then look for the Bible Studies section. See the screenshots below for a visual on how to navigate.

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:39

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Discipleship Place Thessalonians Bible Study

Reflections about Discipleship after Attending the Exponential Conference

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:18:38 +0000

Reflections about Discipleship after Attending the Exponential Conference

A large gathering at a large church campus with large production value has the potential to leave some attendees with feelings of inadequacy. The temptation to begin the comparison game is real. Thoughts such as, "My worth is less than the pastors on staff at the large church," can clutter our minds. Yet, here is the good news. The theological paradigm that informs our discipleship practice begins at ground zero as we acknowledge imago Dei – our value is imprinted deep in our being because of the character and nature of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acknowledging each person's value flows directly from our understanding of God.

This year’s Exponential Conference, held March 4-7, 2024, emphasized the importance of discipleship, undergirded by the affirmation of imago Dei. Although the phrase imago Dei was not explicitly repeated, it was implicitly present. The plenary speakers were authentic and vulnerable. For example, Will Chung spoke about the season of pain he went through with mental health and how he moved through that season. He said, "Pretending works for a season until it doesn't because pretending may feed our egos, but eventually, it will deplete our souls." He then said, "We need to create intimate spaces where we don't have to pretend."

My takeaway from the conference was the importance of understanding that we will not create vulnerable and safe spaces where people do not need to pretend until we have acknowledged the worth of each person. If we model Jesus, we show up with people where they are, as they are, without a requirement to present a false self that is bent toward performing to prove our worth to others.

A possible misconception may emerge that creating a vulnerable and safe space where pretending is unnecessary means condoning sinful behavior; quite the contrary! However, if that misconception takes root and becomes the fear that motivates us, we will find it nearly impossible to create those spaces. Performance-based spirituality will "leak out" as we work hard not to be vulnerable, further availing sinful behavior.

Starting with an uncompromising commitment to all wrapped up in imago Dei means no sinful behavior can undermine the other person's worth. Nor can any high-performing spiritual behavior add to our worth as persons created in the image of God.

Discipleship has a trajectory and purpose—to become image bearers who are Christlike. The movement from prevenient grace to saving grace to sanctifying grace is never lost upon us as we disciple others. We walk with people where they are on the journey knowing well that God is always actively present in their lives.

Do you have an open and vulnerable space where you do not need to pretend? In discipleship ministries, are you practicing openness and accountability? If not, ask God to show you who that person can be for you. Share some of your thoughts with me at jcomstock@nazarene.org

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:18

Rev. John Comstock

CLT Coordinator

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Discipleship Exponential Conference

Donna’s Story

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:01:08 +0000

Donna’s Story

Donna has been visually impaired for most of her life. She was able to drive in her early days as a Bethany Nazarene College student, but she was unable to drive when she graduated. Donna found that she was no longer able to read books as she loved to do, but instead she had to get used to audio books. A pair of magnifying glasses had become her new way of seeing, and she used special glasses to help her see things that seemed ever so distant to her although they were near to those without a visual impairment.

Despite the challenges Donna faced, she still found ways to serve the Lord. Donna has been a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years. She has served as a local Nazarene Missions International president for more than 40 years. Donna is a board member at her local church; she also serves on a district committee. She has been a youth leader as well as a ladies ministry leader and speaker. She has even served as pulpit supply on special occasions. Donna just recently retired from custodian duties at her local church after more than 50 years of service. This is just a small sample of the many ways Donna has been engaged in the church and in serving the Lord.

In 2015, Donna testified that the Lord healed her vision at a prayer conference. She told her children that she felt the Lord touch her. She believes that God is faithful in what he says. Her vision did not improve; in fact, it has grown worse, but Donna maintains her faith and hope in what the Lord has said. Many people will struggle to understand how someone can testify to be healed and yet have some sort of affliction. While’s Donna’s sight may still be impaired, her faith is strong. When Paul tells of the thorn in his flesh, he says, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. This is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Donna’s testimony is much like Paul’s. Her sight may not be restored, but God is restoring and empowering her.

Donna has been married to her husband, Marty, for 46 years. They have three adult children and six grandchildren. Donna is currently serving in her local church as the adult Sunday school teacher and NMI president. While reading is exceptionally hard for her, Donna still wakes up each day and reads God’s Word with the help of her reading device. Disabilities come in all kinds of forms, but God is still good. There are many times when we struggle to see God’s goodness. It is easier for us to see the hardships or the reasons why we can’t do what God is calling us to do. I thank God that, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

We may never comprehend the why, but we can definitely find hope in Jesus. For Donna, it has not been an easy journey. She has had to work hard to be the teacher and leader God has called her to be; she has had to overcome the battles of not being able to see, or drive, or work traditional jobs; she has had to wake up each day and make the decision to follow Christ despite all of the hardships. But Donna will tell you the journey with Jesus is worth it!

Donna’s eldest daughter, Crystal, had this to say about witnessing her mom overcome hardship to serve the Lord: “I am in awe of how most people around her will not even know she has a visual impairment unless she tells them. She maneuvers through life as if she can see. She can remember how to get almost anywhere if she has been there once. She never lets her disability stop her from any endeavor. Her vision does not stop her from her calling. She doesn't just live life; she experiences it to its fullest.”

Donna’s second daughter, Shannon, shared this about Donna, “It is impossible to put into words all the things I admire about mom. She is an absolutely amazing human being. She has never let her disability define her. Her compassion for others is unmatched. Despite her low vision, she goes above and beyond to help others. She is more giving of her time, abilities, and means than most without a disability. She is the epitome of Christlikeness. She continues to have an adventurous spirit and sense of humor. She is willing to try anything. Despite many obstacles, she will find a way. She can laugh at her mistakes and mishaps. She can handle being the brunt of many jokes and dish it right back out. She is an amazing mom and an even better grandma. Her love is unconditional. She is the leader of the family and the go-to for spiritual and life advice. She is full of wisdom and emotional strength. She asks little from anyone but will give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.”

Donna’s youngest has had the incredible privilege to write an article about his mom. “As a child, I remember my mom not wanting to go to the grocery store because it was so hard for her to read the labels and price tags. She didn’t like that it took so long to find what she wanted and that people would often get exasperated with her because she would take too long looking at something they wanted. As I remember those challenges, I find myself even more thankful for her drive and desire to live for Jesus. For someone who can’t see the price tag at a grocery store, you have been an incredible example of Jesus to so many people, and you stand as a beacon of hope for those who feel like they can’t overcome the obstacles. Thanks for being an incredible mom and follower of Jesus! I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day!”

You can connect with me, Rev. Ryan Nelson, NDI disability ministry coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene, at rnelson@nazarene.org

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:01

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Donna's Story