July 25, 2002
Volume 0229
Senior Editor: David J. Felter

News This Week
Vacation Bible School Works!
New Leadership in Sunday School Curriculum
Communication Coordinators Plan for the Future
Nazarene Laymen's Conference Report
New World Area Entered
Nazarene Mission Aviation - West Africa Praise Report
Out Of Africa
Leadership Transition at Christian Holiness Partnership
International Church of the Nazarene Web Links
Prayer Mobilization Line
Personal Note
Nazarene Collegiate News
NCN Broadcast Schedule

VBS follow-up team in Argentina sees immediate results
Ten Nazarenes gathered in Argentina's Barrio Santa Maria on July 13 to follow up with children who attended a recent Vacation Bible School (VBS). On the Sunday before the follow-up effort, five children from Barrio Santa Maria had attended Sunday School at Alto Pilar Church of the Nazarene. On the Sunday after the follow-up, 37 children from the barrio were in attendance.

Among follow-up team members were Liliana Benitez, a resident of Barrio Santa Maria and a member of the Alto Pilar church, several students from the Nazarene seminary in Pilar, and three missionaries. In two hours of follow-up, the group met with more than a dozen families to share God's love and extend invitations to the church.

The follow-up team plans to continue visiting and encouraging residents to attend church. Also on the drawing board are plans for another VBS and a ministry and cell group geared toward women of the neighborhood.
--JoAnn Leslie, South America regional office

Sunday School curriculum director named
Larry R. Morris has been elected as Curriculum Director for Sunday School Ministries, according to Jack Stone, General Secretary. David Graves, Sunday School Ministries director, recommended Morris with the concurrence of W. Talmadge Johnson, responsible general superintendent. Such a nomination requires approval by a majority vote of the Sunday School Ministries & NYI Committee of the General Board. Following their positive response, election was considered and finalized by the Board of General Superintendents.

Morris is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary. He has served in various ministry roles in the Church of the Nazarene since 1977 in Colorado, North Carolina, and most recently in NYI at International Headquarters since 1993 and as an editor in Sunday School Ministries since 1996. The new assignment was effective July 15, 2002.
--General Secretary's Office

Regional communications coordinators meet
Nazarene Regional Communication Coordinators (RCCs) from around the world gathered recently in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, to continue developing ongoing strategies for the use of media in reaching the lost for Christ.

Sponsored by World Mission Communications, the four-day meeting focused on building relationships, evaluating the core objectives for the ministry, and managing the increasingly complex global communications network.

Louie E. Bustle, World Mission director, told the RCCs that "we are growing-up in the six regions for the greatest harvest we have ever seen. Communication centers in our regional offices will be the most important aspect in the coming years."

Radio continues to be a main focus of the World Evangelism Broadcast efforts along with emerging broadcast opportunities for Nazarene television programming in many world areas. Lives are being transformed by the Gospel message that is sent out over the airwaves. New believers are being discipled through radio programs produced and broadcast through the efforts of the Nazarene Regional Communication Centers.

Resource personnel for the Nashville event included Scott Stearman of Scott Stearman Productions; Gerald Smith of Premier Studios; David J. Felter, Communication Services; Ray Hendrix, World Mission Literature; Rick Guilfoil, WM Communications; and Russ Hansen of ReachOne Internet Services.

Dave Anderson, World Mission Communications director and facilitator of the event, noted: "Although everyone involved is a true media professional, none of us are in the 'media' business. We are about one thing - making disciples. Our call has not been to make pretty pictures or award winning video productions, or to produce radio programs to increase station ratings...our call is to 'go - and make disciples.' So everything we do, every decision we make, every program we produce is to be judged by our core objective - making disciples." He continued: "The Church of the Nazarene has at its disposal, a powerful communications network through these six regional communication centers. Pray with us that they will continue to be used to radically influence the world for Christ."
-- World Mission Communications

NLC 2002 connects
Over 1,500 Nazarenes gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, July 3-7 for the 10th Nazarene Laymen's Conference. Held at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the conference continued its tradition of offering attendees wonderful times of worship, fellowship, and equipping.

Attendees were treated to a wide variety of speakers, including Tom Hermiz, Norman Wilson, Lori Salierno, Rick Rigsby, LaDonna Gatlin, and General Superintendent W. Talmadge Johnson. Don Reddick, chair of the Fine Arts Division at Olivet Nazarene University, served as NLC music coordinator and facilitated a powerful array of musicians who ministered to the attendees through their talent and testimony; guest musicians included Wintley Phipps, Sue Dodge, LaDonna Gatlin, Promise, Brian Arner, the Burchfields, Wanda Vick, MJK, Allison Durham Speer, Dan Oxley, the Steve Adams Trio, the Bill Cobb Family, Ann Downing, Marvin Jones, Mark Murphy, Ray Moore, Jim Hill, Martha Garvin. Evangelist Chuck Milhuff emceed a Saturday night musical extravaganza that featured the rich musical heritage of the Church of the Nazarene. Special guests that evening included members of the original Speer family.

In addition to the worship services and motivational speakers and musicians, NLC participants also had the opportunity to interact with workshop presenters who offered more than 70 sessions providing insights into creative ways laypersons can serve Christ and their congregations. This year's NLC featured an expanded exhibit area that featured many different organizations that offer services, resources, or training opportunities to laypersons. Many NLC attendees also took part in off-site excursions throughout the Nashville area during the afternoon hours, as well as the evening gatherings of "Alumni & Friends" sponsored by the Nazarene colleges and universities.

"God's presence was with us in Nashville throughout every component of the NLC event," said David W. Graves, Sunday School Ministries director. "Whether it was through the anointed speakers and Spirit-filled times of worship, the educational and training opportunities, or simply the times of meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances, we praise God that so many were able to leave Nashville re-energized for mission and ministry. We are grateful to the many, many individuals who prayed for and contributed so much toward the success of the 2002 Nazarene Laymen's Conference."

Bettie Woodcook was the recipient of the 2002 Lunn Award, presented during the July 6 morning service in recognition of outstanding service by a layperson in the Church of the Nazarene. The Lunn Award was introduced in 1998 and was named in honor of its first recipient, Vernon Lunn, who served as chair of the NLC Steering Committee for many years.

The 2002 NLC experience has been captured on video, and these videos are available by visiting the NLC website http://www.nazarene.org/ssm/nlc and downloading the "NLC Video Highlights Order Form." A summary "Highlights Video" of the event is available for $15, and the complete Saturday evening "Nazarene Family Praise Gathering" is only $25. A two-video combo costs only $35. All orders should be returned to Sunday School Ministries and includes all shipping/handling.

The Nazarene Laymen's Conference is administered by the Sunday School Ministries Department (David W. Graves, director), in cooperation with the NLC Steering Committee. Membership of the committee includes: Charles A. Davis, Jr., Chair (Southeast USA); Ron Emmert (South Central USA); Robert Collier (Canada); Debbie Weisen (Northwest USA); Jib Felter (North Central USA); Bettie Woodcook (Eastern USA); C. Wayne Rice (East Central USA); Barbara Hornbeck (Southwest USA); Gary Streit (Central USA).
--D'Wayne Leatherland, Sunday School Ministries

Final Spanish-speaking country entered
Louie E. Bustle, World Mission director, has received information from Mario Martinez, the newly arrived missionary in Equatorial Guinea, that the goals of evangelism are high and God is faithful. Martinez reports, "We have started with evangelism. Four people attended our first meeting and we are now working with children. We regret that the JESUS Film equipment has not yet arrived, because we want to use it to start preaching points among our neighbors. It is our goal to plant three churches by the end of this year (in the first six months of work)."

Equatorial Guinea is the last Spanish speaking country in the world for the Church of the Nazarene to enter. Martinez was born in Paraguay and served as the district superintendent in the Central District of Buenos Aires, Argentina for the last several years.

Bustle stated, "We would appeal to the Nazarene family to keep the Martinez's and the work of Equatorial Guinea in your prayers. We believe that God is going to use this couple and the Church of the Nazarene to impact this country for Christ."
--Louie E. Bustle

NMA receives full exemption from Ghana
Good stewardship of the funds that faithful supporters have provided to Nazarene Mission Aviation - West Africa dictates that every effort possible is made to streamline and cut costs. Sometimes the amount of taxes and fees can total as much as 40-50% of the cost of each flight. When it is possible to reduce the taxes and fees levied against the flight operations then literally every dollar saved is an extra dollar to go towards more fuel. In January of 2002 Todd Aebischer wrote a proposal to the office of the Direction of Civil Aviation for the Country of Ghana, explaining the ministry of NMA and the benefits to their country. In the proposal, Aebischer cited the many flights already made and the work of the Church of the Nazarene throughout Africa. His prayer was that NMA could get one exemption and then use this to lobby other Governments around West Africa to join hands with us and help further the work. March 13th the letter arrived - granting a full exemption against all taxes and fees levied against Nazarene Mission Aviation. Praise God!!! Letter in hand, focus is now being placed on obtaining similar support from neighboring countries. For more information on this exciting ministry, go to http://www.nma-awf.org.
--NMA - West Africa

Out of Africa
Joanie Doerr, NCN - Africa, supplies all information for this summary.
Nazarenes suffering in Ethiopia
There was a new round of strife recently in the western area of Ethiopia, known as the Gambela region. Although the situation is still unstable, it was estimated that there are as many as 10,000 additional displaced people. This includes six Nazarene congregations. Exact reports are impossible at this time, but it was confirmed that six of our church leaders have lost family members and that many other Nazarenes have been killed in the fighting. A Nazarene church leader stated: "We ask that you pray for the stability of the entire Gambela region...Pray that the church will be able to rally to be a force for healing and reconciliation in these deeply troubled times."

The first critical need of the displaced people was for food. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries stepped into the crisis with funding for food assistance. Church leaders then developed an assessment team and secured a grain storage warehouse to use for food distribution. One of the Nazarene churches in the area responded to the need for shelter by hosting 500 refugees on their property. Because the church building cannot accommodate such a number, many of the refugees sleep under the open sky. On nights when it rains, everyone crowds into the church and into the homes of nearby Nazarenes.

This scenario is added to the crisis of a few weeks ago when entire communities were shattered, due to the rebel fighting groups. At that time, over 20,000 people were displaced. Among the 20,000 were 5,000 Nazarenes, representing 70 Nazarene congregations. Thus, there are presently at least 30,000 people in the Gambela region who have been left not only displaced, but destitute as well.

Street kids in Madagascar
The Catholic Relief Service reported that over 40,000 children in Madagascar will die as a direct result of the food shortages caused by the political situation. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries International supplied funds to feed 500 street children, in addition to the 250 street children who are fed daily at the "street kids center." The children at the center are also being given a multi-vitamin and are receiving medical attention. Best of all, the children are hearing the stories of Jesus, as they partake of a lovingly provided meal.

The 500 additional children range in age from 2-5 years old. At least half of them are siblings to the regular children involved in the program at the center. Many of the parents of the street kids are assisting the staff with the increased workload.

What a blessing!
Friends in Madagascar reported to Rev. David Johnson that military forces went to their home on Nosy Be with the intention of burning it down. This occurred during the political upheaval in the country, and while the Johnsons were on home assignment in the United States. According to Johnson, the soldiers punctured all of the tires on their car, then decided to return later and burn the house. The church family began to pray for God's protection over the house, and the soldiers never returned. Johnson exclaimed: "We praise God for protecting our house...Never underestimate the power of prayer!"

Present information indicates that no one from the congregation was injured during the fighting. Nosy Be is now controlled by the new government and the island is returning to normal.

CHP leadership transition
In 1996 the Christian Holiness Partnership secured the leadership of Marlin R. Hotle as executive director. Following six years of highly creative and visionary leadership, and while also serving as district superintendent of Wesleyan Churches in Tennessee, Hotle has resigned his executive position with CHP.

During his leadership, Hotle provided guidance and oversight to numerous projects advancing Wesleyan theology, the causes of holiness and their impact in the evangelical community. Significant among them was the production of the Reflecting God NIV study Bible and its accompanying materials. This study Bible follows the NIV Study Bible format but contains Wesleyan-Arminian footnotes, essays and commentary. Approximately 40 CHP affiliated scholars and writers contributed to this project, which has received broad acceptance in the Christian community.

A strategic planning task force, established prior to the time of Hotle's resignation, has been charged with the responsibility of crafting a new operational structure for CHP with recommendations to be presented to the CHP Board of Administration. The CHP executive committee will assist CHP president Dan Tipton during the transition period to ensure both mission and functions of the organization, emphasizing the importance of partnership among member groups.

Including 24 member denominations, three interdenominational agencies, 48 colleges and seminaries and hundreds of independent congregations, CHP represents a composite of worldwide adherents exceeding five million.
--CHP

Church of the Nazarene Ministry Links
All links to the varied global ministry functions of the Church of the Nazarene can be found by going to http://www.nazarene.org. A drop-down box will list all the sites available for your surfing pleasure. Visit us often!

Prayer Mobilization Line
This information can be found by going to http://www.nazarenemissions.org, then clicking on the "Prayer Mobilization Line" on the left-hand side of the page.

Personal Note
Floyd W. Hawkins
Floyd W. Hawkins, 97, ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, died July 17, 2002, at St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

Hawkins was born November 20, 1904, in Pullman, Washington, and grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. His early years included extensive training and experience in music. For two years in Walla Walla he was Cadet Bandmaster in one of the first R.O.T.C. units in the northwest. In Tacoma he studied vocal music under Frederick Kleopper and in Seattle under John W. Bixel, founder and Director of the Seattle Oratorio Society.

In 1933 he entered the Nazarene pastorate. Over the next 24 years, each of his five pastorates included a strong music ministry.

After serving 12 years at Stockton, California, First Church of the Nazarene, in 1957 he accepted a call to Kansas City to become music editor for Lillenas Publishing Company, music division of Nazarene Publishing House. He served in that role until his retirement in 1976. During those years he edited numerous publications, including the 1972 hymnal, Worship in Song.

Hawkins was best known throughout the evangelical world as a composer and songwriter. Of his 500+ published songs, perhaps most widely used has been I've Discovered the Way of Gladness. It was featured in Billy Graham Crusades and has been the theme song of the "Day of Discovery" program televised in the United States. The current Nazarene hymnal, Sing to the Lord, includes his songs The Crystal Fountain, Let Thy Mantle Fall on Me, and Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace.

He is survived by his wife, N. Ruth Hawkins, Gladstone, Missouri; three daughters, Ruth Hufford, Cave Creek, Arizona, Caroline Campbell, Woodland Park, Colorado, and Rodlyn Davis, Franklin, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Nazarene Collegiate News
Trevecca hosts YES Conference
•The third YES (Youth Equipped to Serve) Conference for young people who have a call to ministry was held June 24-28 on the campus of Trevecca Nazarene University. Representing all parts of the United States, 75 high school students came to the Nashville, Tennessee, campus to learn more about ministry and Christian careers.

Rick Underwood, one of the creators of YES and associate director of Trevecca's office of enrollment management, described the conference as a way to encourage and train teens early on who sense God's call to full-time Christian work. According to Underwood, YES participants often go on to extensive involvement in campus and leadership activities during their college years.

The YES Conference, held every other year, is the brainchild of the Southeast Zone Nazarene Youth International (NYI) and is directed by Greg Kenerly, president of the Southeast USA Region NYI.
--Jan Greathouse, Trevecca Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University News Items
• On August 1, 2002, as it enters its 35th year, Mount Vernon Nazarene College (MVNC) will become Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The transition to university status is based on action taken by the Board of Trustees last March after a year of study by a Blue Ribbon Commission on University Standing. The commission was led by Henry Smith, MVNC's vice president for academic affairs.

To mark the occasion, a new sign will be unveiled on July 31and new flags raised, including an American flag dedicated to Mollie Hornberger McKenzie, an MVNC graduate who was killed in the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. Board of Trustees Chair James Couchenour and the mayor of Mount Vernon will be on hand for the short ceremony on the lawn of the R. R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. An all-campus picnic will follow. A second ceremony planned for September 9 will include community and state leaders, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university.

MVNC opened its doors in 1968 to 180 students and embarked on what founding president Stephen Nease called "a rare opportunity" to do something great for God. Committed to a liberal arts education, the college added programs and majors over the years to meet student needs. By 1991, enrollment stood at 1,044, with 980 in traditional programs. Non-traditional and graduate degrees in education and ministry were added soon afterward, and enrollment climbed. The institution now offers 80 different majors and tracks and expects to welcome more than 2,200 students this fall.

• Douglas K. Matthews has been named vice president of the Enrollment Services and Student Development Division of Mount Vernon Nazarene College (MVNC). Matthews has been an associate and full professor of religion on the MVNC faculty since 1999, earning 10 awards for excellence in teaching. As vice president of Campus Ministries he was assistant to the campus chaplain, and he also served as chaplain of the college's adult education program, Executive Center for Lifelong Learning (EXCELL).

Before coming to MVNC, Matthews was professor of philosophy and theology at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia; director of residence life and housing and instructor of student development at LeTourneau University in Texas; and an admissions recruiter at Spring Arbor University in Michigan. He has been a network radio host and has served in various pastoral roles in Wesleyan and Bible churches. He also has been involved with high school and intercollegiate sports.

Matthews earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion from Spring Arbor University in 1979, his master's degree in Christian theology from Wheaton College in Illinois in 1981, and his doctorate in theological studies from Baylor University in Texas in 1992. He has co-authored several scholarly works and is a contributor to academic and popular periodicals.

In his new role Matthews will be responsible for traditional undergraduate admissions and student recruitment, student financial planning, records and registration, retention, intercollegiate athletics, counseling, career and health services, safety and security, residence life, campus community life, judicial processes, and multicultural affairs. He will also serve on the president's Administrative Cabinet and Budget Planning Committee.

"I believe Dr. Matthews possesses the passion, vitality and knowledge to lead the division to the next level of growth and success. His energy is infectious. His training in theology enables him to articulate theological and philosophical understandings needed to lead the division as well as to develop programs . . . His previous experience in enrollment and student services provides background and perspective to his new assignment at MVNC," said college president E. LeBron Fairbanks.

• On August 1, 2002, the day Mount Vernon Nazarene College (MVNC) becomes Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the institution also will welcome its first provost. Henry Smith, since 1997 the college's vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, has been appointed to the position by E. LeBron Fairbanks, MVNC president, and endorsed by the Board of Trustees. In his new role as provost Smith will continue as chief academic officer but also will serve on the president's cabinet as a "first among equals" with several key expanded responsibilities.

Said Fairbanks, "During the past year, while three separate task forces have examined structure and decision-making as we transition to university status, I have conducted my own investigation for improved processes and leadership enhancement at the cabinet and senior administrative levels . . . [The decision to] appoint a provost was my decision and did not come to me as a recommendation from any group or task force appointed this past year to study academic structure, staff decision-making, or mid-level management."

The decision is an important first step in preparing MVNC for the next level of effectiveness, said Fairbanks. "After 13 years as president of Mount Vernon Nazarene College, it is my conclusion that I need a provost who functions as a senior vice president in a new and expanded role to assist me in the day-to-day overall operation of the university. I believe the provost position uniquely serves the needs of our rapidly growing institution, especially as we move to university status."

Fairbanks further explained that appointing a provost would alleviate his growing concern about his expanding role in essential external relations, which often take him away from the campus. "My recent appointment to the board of the Council of Independent Colleges is but one example of my increasing involvement in regional and national organizations that are of significant value to MVNC. However, my absence has sometimes frustrated the ability of the university to respond quickly on daily issues that confront the institution," he said.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees supports the president's decision and unanimously endorsed Smith's appointment. "Dr. Smith has repeatedly shown he has the necessary gifts and maturity to be an outstanding provost. He has shown his wise judgment on difficult issues; he is collaborative in style [and] an effective communicator and is respected by the various college constituencies," said Fairbanks. "I am confident that Dr. Smith will provide just the right balance in his relationship to the other cabinet members and the institution in general. I am counting on him to allow me to rest in the knowledge that while I am away from campus, the university will operate effectively."

According to the job description created by Fairbanks, the provost will chair the president's cabinet during the absence of the president, acting with authority for action and decision-making within established parameters; act as the senior officer representing the university during the absence of or at the request of the president; and act as the senior officer in the decision-making and implementation of the University Crisis Response Plan in the absence of the president.

Fairbanks also noted that other administrative appointments and structural changes will be announced in the coming days. MVNC is located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in the United States.
--Carrie A. Crouch, MVNC Office of Communications

Trevecca hosts the Ben Speer Stamps-Baxter School of Music
On Sunday, July 21, 2002, Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, welcomed the Ben Speer Stamps-Baxter School of Music to the campus for the second year. During the two-week event, participants will receive intensive music training. Ben Speer, a Trevecca alumnus, and school leaders anticipate approximately 250 students and 35 staff personnel to participate in this year's school.
--Jan Greathouse, TNU

Check out the latest at these links to your alma mater.

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August 6: NCN News...8:00 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.
       Mission Today...8:05 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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