Church of the Nazarene

In Memoriam: 27 June 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:53:24 +0000

In Memoriam: 27 June 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:53

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 23-27 June 2025.

Kathy Ah Sing, 62, of Pahoa, Hawaii, passed away 11 June 2025. She was the wife of Charles K. Ah Sing, a minister who served in California and Hawaii.

Robert Brown, 74, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, passed away 21 June 2025. He was a minister who served in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Susan Brown.

Richard Chaplin, 87, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away 18 June 2025. He was the spouse of Lila Chaplin, a minister who served in Illinois.

Mark Deneen, 75, of Niles, Ohio, passed away 21 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Deneen.

Naomi Johnson, 89, of Longview, Texas, passed away 19 June 2025. She was the widow of Bernard Johnson, a retired minister who served in Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Texas, and Arkansas. Bernard passed away in 2023.

Doloris Jones, 93, of Mason, Ohio, passed away 22 June 2025. She was the widow of Gary Jones, a retired minister who served in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Blaine Strauser, 98, of Himrod, New York, passed away 12 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana, California, and Arizona. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Strauser.

Gracie Taylor, 95, of Westland, Michigan, passed away 22 June 2025. She was a minister who served in Michigan. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Taylor.

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

IT missions trip brings technological upgrades to Indonesia Nazarene Theological College

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:35:04 +0000

IT missions trip brings technological upgrades to Indonesia Nazarene Theological College

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:35

A Nazarene Missions Team from Global Missions and the Asia-Pacific Region IT office visited the Indonesia Nazarene Theological College (INTC), as part of an IT project, from 14-28 May 2025, to enhance the internet system and install a smart classroom.

This collaborative project involving Indonesia Nazarene Theological College, the Sealands Field, Asia-Pacific Region IT, and the Nazarene Missions Team was initiated to address the needs of the campus in today’s era of global education. Institutions must be creative, innovative, and collaborative to deliver increasingly high-quality theological education to both the Nazarene community and external stakeholders. This effort also ensures greater effectiveness in reaching souls, aiming to prepare students from diverse backgrounds—reflecting the broader vision that drives the importance of this project.

The internet connection at INTC has significantly improved, leading students to appreciate the effectiveness and efficiency of their work with a strong internet connection. Lecturers and administrative staff value the advantages of a reliable internet connection.

During the course of the project, the campus took the opportunity to strengthen its engagement with the Church of the Nazarene’s vision. Several youth involved in media services, along with tech-savvy students, participated in both the installation and design of SmartClass. The time with the youth became an opportunity to mentor and share plans, aimed at broadening their perspective on the project’s future direction.

Through informal sessions — including shared meals, campus tours, visits to local churches, and daily conversations — participants gained a deeper understanding of the Indonesian culture. The project concluded with a cultural night, when students showcased their regional culture through dance, songs, and traditional costumes. This cultural night also featured the inauguration of the Smart Class, organized by three study programs: Theology, Christian Religious Education, and Master of Theology.

“To be honest, the campus doesn’t have a lot of resources to do this project," said Seri Damarwanti, INTC President. "But personally, as a leader on campus, I don’t want to be stuck on the same old problems, and with the strength that God has given me, I invite my colleagues on campus to take steps of faith. With careful planning and calculation, we finally agreed to move forward and complete what God has placed in our hearts. Hopefully, with improved IT capabilities, the vision of INTC and the Global Church of the Nazarene can be effectively realized. The Lord Jesus is increasingly glorified on our beloved campus."

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Medical brigade brings healthcare, gospel to Mexican community

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:31:02 +0000

Medical brigade brings healthcare, gospel to Mexican community

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:31

A Nazarene Medical Brigade (NMB) shared God's love with others through healthcare services on Saturday, May 23, 2025, at the El Recreo Iglesia del Nazareno in Chiapas, Mexico. The brigade included a general practitioner, a dentist, and 20 volunteers.

During the event—organized by Jacob Ortiz, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) for the Mexico Sierra Madre de Chiapas District, more than 130 people received medical care and heard the message of salvation.

Jacob’s team provided medical and dental consultations, medication distribution, vital sign monitoring, clothing distribution, and door-to-door evangelism activities. The event also featured children's activities, including entertainment by clowns.

"My dream was always to wear the NCM vest," said Shalma Hernández, a volunteer dentist. "Now, every opportunity I have to serve in my vocation, helping people without access to public health care, inspires me to continue forward with faith, love, and passion for God's work."

The community expressed deep gratitude, noting that past insecurity in the Sierra region had forced many local clinics to close and medical services have yet to be fully restored. In El Recreo, where the population is primarily engaged in growing coffee and corn, the Church of the Nazarene has an active membership of approximately 100 people.

Founded in 2017 in response to the earthquake in Juchitán, Oaxaca, the Nazarene Medical Brigade in Mexico has since provided nearly 350 brigades across the country, all led by volunteer healthcare professionals.

"Most of the health volunteers are young people who have recently graduated," said Edi Montejo, NCM coordinator in Southern Mexico. "These volunteers are also actively involved in other areas of service, and NCM is a great opportunity for them to serve with purpose."

The growth of the ministry has enabled NCM Mexico to strengthen its internal structure. Sister Shalma Hernández has been appointed as Medical Brigade coordinator in the southern territory, and another individual has been appointed to coordinate these efforts in the north of the country.

"It is a joy to serve others through our vocation," Hernández said. "We invite others to join the NCM Mexico Nazarene Medical Brigade."

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Mozambique church celebrates new sanctuary

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:10:11 +0000

Mozambique church celebrates new sanctuary

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:10

Infulene Church of the Nazarene celebrated the dedication of a newly built sanctuary on 15 June 2025, a project that has taken almost 20 years since the initial groundbreaking in 2005. More than 500 church members, guests, and distinguished government officials from Maputo Province gathered to celebrate this moment.

The celebration had three distinct moments. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony by District Superintendent Vasco Mabote, the congregants celebrated the achievement through songs and dance. This sanctuary holds special meaning to the local congregation, having been built with local resources and workers.

The appreciation of Nazarenes and non-Nazarenes who donated their resources for the construction of the sanctuary was another important moment. All of them were given certificate of merit for their significant contribution.

Speaking at the event, the governor of Maputo Province emphasized the need for churches to continue praying and preaching the message of reconciliation. Additionally, he requested the church to pray for the government for God’s wisdom to lead the country of Mozambique well. As a vote of thanks from the government, he gifted 30 plastic chairs for the new sanctuary.

In the spirit of appreciation, Agostao Zitha, the current pastor of Igreja de Infulene, presented an emotional appreciation of all the former pastors of the church who served since its conception in 1964.

The final special moment came when Vasco Mabote delivered a message of encouragement to everyone who contributed to the successful construction of the sanctuary.

God is doing marvelous things in Mozambique, and the Church of the Nazarene continues to play a crucial role in its ministry here.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Flags of the Nations: Côte d'Ivoire

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:36:42 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Côte d'Ivoire

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 16:36

Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.

This week: Côte d'Ivoire

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Côte d'Ivoire in 1987.

Côte d'Ivoire had a population of 29,981,758 in 2024. That same year, Côte d'Ivoire reported 210 Churches of the Nazarene, 60 of which had been officially organized. Côte d'Ivoire has 23,638 total members. Côte d'Ivoire has one Phase 3 district and one Phase 1 district. It is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.

* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

MVNU appoints Jodi Mills as dean of College of Adult and Professional Studies

dlsperry94 — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:37:55 +0000

MVNU appoints Jodi Mills as dean of College of Adult and Professional Studies

dlsperry94 Tue, 06/24/2025 - 20:37

Mount Vernon Nazarene University announced on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, that Jodi Mills has been appointed dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies, effective 1 July 2025. Mills brings over 15 years of experience in nontraditional and adult education, with a strong record of leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University’s National & Global division.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jodi Mills as the new dean for the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Mount Vernon Nazarene University,” said MVNU President Carson Castleman. “Dr. Mills arrives with extensive experience from one of the largest Christian universities in the United States and holds a Ph.D. in STEM from the University of Kentucky. With 17 years of leadership in adult education, she is an innovative leader who genuinely cares about students, working diligently to ensure their success at every stage of their educational journey.”

Jodi's work has focused on academic strategy, online program development, and innovation in competency-based learning. She has been instrumental in launching new programs that align with state and accreditation standards while prioritizing the needs of adult learners.

Most recently, Mills served as chair of undergraduate and licensure programs in the School of Integrated Learning and Development at IWU, and previously as interim dean of the Division of Liberal Arts. She has led significant efforts in faculty development, curriculum design, and program assessment — initiatives that have expanded access to high-quality education for thousands of working professionals.

In addition to her administrative leadership, she has taught extensively as an associate professor and adjunct faculty at several Christian universities, including Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

As Dean of CAPS, Mills will oversee MVNU’s adult, graduate, and online programs. The role includes strategic leadership across academic innovation, faculty development, program growth, student support services, accreditation, and institutional partnerships.

“MVNU’s commitment to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service resonates deeply with my own values,” said Mills. “The opportunity to lead the College of Adult and Professional Studies in building upon its strong foundation, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships is compelling. CAPS is positioned to change lives through the power of online and graduate education, and I’m excited to support MVNU’s mission and goal of academic excellence.”

She holds a Ph.D. in educational sciences with a specialization in STEM education from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Findlay, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Olivet Nazarene University.

“The search committee unanimously chose Mills, recognizing her as a remarkable mission fit who has dedicated her life to serving the Church of the Nazarene in various capacities, including as a pastor’s wife, media specialist, and leader in women’s, youth, and children’s ministries,” Castleman said. “We are truly blessed to have such a high-caliber leader like Jodi Mills guiding the College of Adult and Professional Studies. She is a person of high ethics and standards, known for her innovative ideas and the successful implementation of new programs.”

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University

In Memoriam: 20 June 2025

dlsperry94 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:46:59 +0000

In Memoriam: 20 June 2025

dlsperry94 Fri, 06/20/2025 - 15:46

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.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Rusty Robbins appointed executive director of JESUS Film Harvest Partners

dlsperry94 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:38:05 +0000

Rusty Robbins appointed executive director of JESUS Film Harvest Partners

dlsperry94 Fri, 06/20/2025 - 14:38

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

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:25:42 +0000

Water well donation aids Zimbabwe town facing clean water crisis

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/19/2025 - 20:25

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

dlsperry94 — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:23:14 +0000

Benelux District becomes newest district on Eurasia Region

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/19/2025 - 19:23

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.