April 16 , 2004
Volume 0415
Senior Editor: David J. Felter
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr

Global News This Week
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Go directly to selected regional news by clicking on underlined headline. If technical difficulties occur, the entire document may be viewed by clicking on the Global News Summary option on www.ncnnews.org.

Top Story
    - “Thank you, God!”—A survivor’s account of the Madrid train bombings
Eurasia Region Update
    - Reaching the secularized, post-modern European
Headquarters Headlines
    - General Assembly Advance Team to Indy
    - NYI Bible Quiz tournament quickly approaching
NCN Contact Information
    - To comment, report news, or for more information about NCN News, please contact our office.
NCN Sports
    - MVNU's Balogh receives prestigious national and regional awards

“Thank you, God!”—A survivor’s account of the Madrid train bombings
Madrid—On March 11, 2004, 10 bombs ripped through four trains in Madrid, Spain during the morning rush hour commute. This terrorist act killed 191 people and injuring approximately 1,800 others. On board a Madrid train that morning were seven students from ECA, a nearby school for missionary kids (MK’s). Included among those seven was Gracie, a sixth grade MK. The following is Gracie’s testimony about that morning, in her own words:

March 11, 2004

“Oh no! I said to myself, half yawning. I’d better dress up now. It was a normal Thursday. There was nothing special, besides African Day at school. Remind me to do your hair in school,” my sister said. I dressed up quickly. I noticed no one was in their rooms. My parents’ room was empty!

“Oh right, my mom’s gone to Turkey,” I said to myself. My dad came back from the airport and we quickly ate our breakfast.

After that, the Princes, my sister, and I were driven to the train station. I sat down on one on the empty seats of the train, quietly. Several minutes later our train stopped.

“There is probably a minor problem with the engine,” I thought. I heard the sound of Josh’s mobile phone. “Diga (Tell me),” said Josh. He had a worried look in his face. “Ok, thanks, bye.”

I heard the front door open. The conductor came in saying, “Everyone, get out of this train right now!”

Our group of six people got together. We had no idea what was going on but we kept walking. “I want to know what happened,” Raquel commented. So did I. I was so anxious. My sister called my dad, telling him to pick us up.

Our group walked forward, very confused. Suddenly, a cry of pain swept through the air. Other cries joined in. We solemnly walked toward the cries.

Then I saw what I never planned to see. A man’s pants were ripped thoroughly. His legs were drenched in blood. Thoughtless in that moment, I raised my eyes to see his eyes that pleaded for help. His pain was so deep that he couldn’t even cry. I felt more and more uncomfortable with every step and every movement I made. My sister tried to cover my eyes, but wherever I looked there were either dead or injured people. My gaze turned to the source of this tragedy—a wrecked train that was open on both sides. It was surrounded by a band of policemen. I was totally speechless. I didn’t have any feelings then. Everything became solemn, dull, and dark. On the tracks lay dead people. One of them was lying with a backpack covering his head. I flinched as I continued to walk. I saw terrible scenes that I’ll never forget.

I walked faster as I reached the exit of the terrible “passage.” Once we were outside, my sister said a three-word sentence that I’ll never forget: “Thank you, God!” I nodded with a slight smile on my face.

“Thank you, God!” I repeated to myself. I was glad I was safe. We walked away from the tragedy after my sister talked to my father on the phone again. Out of every word my sister said, she didn’t mention the bomb. My father agreed to meet us next to a fountain.

We walked toward the fountain and waited, but my father never came. We notice that people were running away from the train station. Threats of bombs caused us to run just as they did. After we ran, we still couldn’t find my father. As we continued waiting, we heard no sound of another explosion.

Finally, my father appeared with our car. We all cramped in and heard more news on the radio. I realized that I had only left one minute after the train in another station exploded. I was actually in between two explosions! I couldn’t believe that I was in a miracle. In my head I repeated the same words my sister said after the incident.

“THANK YOU, GOD!”

At last, we reached school without a scratch. People knew what happened, but they ridiculed the event. Some of them created “funny” stories about it. Although this happened, those images reappeared and it was extremely hard to concentrate.

I came back home and embraced my dad. He had seen the repetitive news of the occurrence on our TV. I checked my Emails and was surprised to read concerns from others because they heard the news of the bombings. I was encouraged and comforted through the calls and Emails that so many people sent to us.

Even to this day I feel insecurity around strangers, but a stronger confidence in God in me. Through this event I pray that God will open the doors of the unbelievers in Spain.

I have seen how God has united Spain though this. My only request is that you pray for Spain—the victims, the love ones of the dead, and the unbelievers that need God’s help. Thank you.

[Gracie included the following verse:]
I will exalt you, Oh Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Oh Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Oh Lord, you brought me you from the rave; you spared me from going down into the pit... O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. Psalm 30
–Gracie

[Note: All seven of the ECA students were uninjured in the bombings.]

Reaching the secularized, post-modern European
Büsingen, Switzerland—European Nazarene College’s (EuNC) annual Leadership Conference was held earlier this year with the theme, "Reaching Secularized, Post-Modern Europeans." Olivet Nazarene University President John Bowling serving as special speaker for the event.

Conference presentations included dramas, papers, lectures, and discussions about the past, present, and future of European society. The general thought emerging from the conference was that Europe is transitioning into a post-modern culture where a person's sense of belonging and acceptance is desired more than a scientific analysis of belief and doctrine.

The conference, along with the worship, devotions, and fellowship, combined to form a memorable week for the college and the participants. Next year's conference will be held from January 24-27, 2005.

For more information about EuNC, visit www.EuNC.edu.
--EuNC

General Assembly Advance Team to Indy
Indianapolis—Nearly 40 representatives from Nazarene International Headquarters and Nazarene educational institutions scoured the city of Indianapolis, Indiana this week looking for innovative ways to serve the 35,000-plus guests and visitors to General Assembly 2005.

The city and the Nazarenes have a long and friendly relationship. City convention bureau personnel continually roll out the red carpet to Nazarenes with efficient, courteous service. The city has invested heavily in its center infrastructure, opening new hotels and refurbishing existing services.

Simultaneously, the 2005 General Assembly Arrangements Committee met to review details surrounding service schedules and exhibit hall configurations, as well as to recommend new features to attract guests and visitors. Jack Stone, General Secretary/Headquarters Operations Officer, convened a meeting Tuesday, April 14 in which various themes, logistics, and innovative responses could be considered.

The opening service for the 2005 General Assembly is set for Thursday evening, June 23, 2005 with Nazarene Missions International (NMI) General Director Nina Gunter speaking. Following the precedent of previous General Assemblies, the NMI General Convention will be the first public service of the Conventions and Auxiliaries. On Friday night, June 24, 2005, the service will feature a Nazarene Youth International (NYI) emphasis, with General Superintendent James H. Diehl speaking. Sunday School Ministries will be featured in the Saturday evening service on June 25, 2005, with General Superintendent Paul G. Cunningham speaking. General Assembly officially opens with the traditional worship service and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday morning, June 26, 2005. General Superintendent Jim L. Bond will serve as preacher and celebrant for the service. The schedule continues with General Superintendents W. Talmadge Johnson speaking Sunday evening, Jerry D. Porter on Monday evening, and Jesse C. Middendorf Tuesday evening.
--NCN News

NYI Bible Quiz tournament quickly approaching
Bourbonnais—Filling the gap between the Nazarene Youth Conference and General Assembly major quizzing tournaments is Q2004 - Living The Word - a Nazarene Youth International (NYI) quiz event focusing not only on studying the Word, but living it out.

This biannual event, open to local, district, and regional teams, both experienced and novice, serves as an opportunity to show quizzers how bible quizzing is changing the lives of youth around the world.

According to NYI, this is the ninth General Bible Quiz (GBQ) over the last 18 years. NYI has seen each one grow in quality and participation over that time. GBQ offers a chance for youth to develop new friendships, live the Word in action, and compete. Detail plans include devotions, worship, competition, fellowship, late-night fun, and ministry.

Top Quizzer Scholarships will be available and representatives from all the Nazarene College/Universities will be present at the event.

Adult coaches and leaders will have planned opportunities to meet with national and regional NYI leadership, talk with Barefoot Ministries and YouthQuiz.com personnel, as well as share and mentor each other.

NYI reports quiz teams from the each region of the United States are beginning to sign up, as well as teams from Canada and Trinidad.

Q2004 will be held June 22-26, 2004 on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. For more information, please see the web site http://nyi.nazarene.org/quiz/ and click on “main page.”
--NYI

Regional Resources:
Africa - www.africanazarene.org
Asia-Pacific – www.nazareneworldmission.org
Caribbean - www.caribnaz.org
Eurasia - www.eurasianazarene.org
Mexico/Central America - www.nazmac.org
South America - www.samnazarene.org
USA/Canada - www.usamission.org

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 www.nazarene.org. A drop-down box will list all the sites available for your surfing pleasure. Visit us often!

NMI Prayer Mobilization Line:
www.nazarenemissions.org/pml

On-Line Pastor's Calendar:
nazmrc.nazarene.org/sdm/calendar.htm

To comment, report news, or for more information about NCN News, please contact our office at:
E-mail: NCNNews@nazarene.org
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Phone: 816-333-7000 x2773
FAX: 816-333-174

MVNU's Balogh receives prestigious national and regional awards
Mount Vernon—Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) senior soccer player Cheryl Balogh was recently honored with three awards: a Regents Graduate/Professional Fellowship, the National Christian College Athletic Association's Michelle Akers/Wittnauer Award, and the 2004 Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award.

Recipients of the Regents Fellows may receive a maximum of $3,500 each year for two years of graduate or graduate professional study. The award is contingent on enrollment in an eligible Ohio graduate program no later than fall term of 2004-05 academic year.

The Michelle Akers/Wittnauer Award is the highest annual honor given by the NCCAA to the most outstanding female soccer player in the nation. The recipient must possess a vital Christian testimony, exhibit leadership and participate in several service activities. The award is named after the former team captain of the United States National women's soccer team and Olympic gold medalist.

The Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award is given annually to one male and female student athlete in Division I, Division II or NAIA, and Division III for achievement in that individual's respective sport, excellence in the classroom and service to others.

Balogh is a double major in exercise studies and sports management. She is the daughter of Brian and Linda Balogh of Lima, Ohio, and will graduate in May 2004.
--MVNU

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