HELP SECURE THEIR FUTURE
ISSUE 02 • 2024
NCM Magazine aims to tell stories of the church living out Christ's compassion. Our hope is that all of us would hear the call to compassion as a lifestyle.
Following the example of Jesus, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partners with local congregations around the world to clothe, shelter, feed, heal, educate, and live in solidarity with those who suffer under oppression, injustice, violence, poverty, hunger, and disease. NCM exists in and through the Church of the Nazarene to proclaim the gospel to all people in word and deed.
NAZARENE COMPASSIONATE MINISTRIES
17001 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66220 (800) 310-6362, info@ncm.org
MAGAZINE DESIGN: Ruckus Group
COVER PHOTO: Chinsinsi Phiri
FOR A FREE SUBSCRIPTION visit ncm.org/magazine
SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES email info@ncm.org or write to NCM Magazine, 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66220
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? email info@ncm.org
CONTENTS
RECLAIMING LIFE 10
One ministry’s mission to bring restoration to their neighbors, even during a war
14 HEALING HEARTS AND CHANGING LIVES
In the remote Waghi Valley, where mountains meet the sky and communities are far apart, Nazarene General Hospital is a place of hope and healing.
18 A BALM IN GILEAD: HOW A CLINIC IN BEIRUT BRINGS HEALING TO MANY
It is not the only clinic in Beirut, but the church has, in a prayerful spirit, created a space of deep healing for the vulnerable.
24 FROM HUNGER TO HOPE THROUGH FOOD SECURITY
For the last two years, Nazarene churches have partnered with NCM to provide solutions to hunger and malnutrition in communities across Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia.
“ Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations,’ according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ … No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore, his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’”
- Romans 4:18, 20-21
A KINGDOM VISION
Romans 4:18, 20-21 - "Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ … No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore, his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’"
I n the pages that follow, you’ll read about how faithful Christians are being transformed to join in where God is already at work in their lives and communities. As their vision of what God wants to do begins to transform them, you’ll see congregations joining in acts of grace, presence, service, and love.
Nazarene congregations around the globe often serve in difficult circumstances and remote places though as a “small but mighty” group of believers. The community around the church may be struggling with addiction, poverty, violence, and a lack of support for its young people. The church’s witness, however, is not to stop at the barriers but to listen and seek God’s vision for the community. The congregations begin by taking small steps to live into God’s hope through service and love throughout the community.
Our task as Christians is to discover what it means to see the world as God does—through faith in Jesus. Embracing God’s vision means that at every turn we trust that God is at work and surrender to this plan that may be beyond our understanding. Thus, we discover a new opportunity for God’s transformation of our lives and communities. In following this path, we are invited to be beacons of God’s hope—pointing back to God, our Savior and Savior of the world.
By trusting God before himself, Abraham sought after “hope beyond our hope,” as Paul describes in Romans 4. Hope is rooted not in human experience, possibility, or strength but in God’s abundant vision for salvation and restoration of the world.
Seeking God’s hope opens us to so much more than we can dream because possibility and imagination are expanded through faith. Abraham himself was to become the father who would bless all nations, but he and Sarah were unable to have children. Hope beyond hope was trusting that God could make the impossible, possible.
Our vision expands further as we join with God’s people in our faith journey. By God’s grace, we are made to see differently by faithfully following the way of Jesus. Indeed, in and through the countless small actions of our day-to-day lives—through service, prayer, and listening—God begins to reshape us.
God’s transformation is not often found in the thundering voice or forces shaking the earth but in the small whisper (1 Kings 19:1113). When we train our eyes to see God’s ways and ears to hear God’s voice, both personally and together as a church, we will have chosen the path of holiness—seeking after Christlikeness by his grace. Following Jesus will unravel our neatly constructed narratives and trusted paradigms. It is risky and often painful to enter into God’s change, which we identify as the process of being reborn and renewed in our lifelong journey of seeking God.
We trust in this hope beyond our hope because it points us to the coming reign of God found in the Prince of Peace. Thanks be to God for the faithfulness of those who are beacons of hope in their communities and our world.
Nell Becker Sweeden, Director of NCM
IMPASSIONED LOVE IN THE CITY
In one large city in Southeast Asia, the contrast between bustling development and deep-rooted poverty is striking. For many immigrants and low-income workers, the promise of a better life often feels just out of reach, particularly when it comes to providing their children with an education. Amid this struggle, Zion Church of the Nazarene, through its initiative, the "Love Class,” offers a ray of hope to the community.
This church is located in a neighborhood rife with economic hardship, drug addiction, and violence, issues that can impact students’ attendance. The Love Class began with a simple yet profound goal: to offer free education to children who might otherwise be left behind in their studies. This initiative not only focuses on teaching literacy but also aims to uplift families and spread the message of faith. Educators are living out the compassionate love of Jesus through this class, often visiting families' homes to address barriers to education and provide support.
Minh* is one of the students who has been empowered through the class. “I can now read the Bible. The best part of the Love Class is that I learned to read and write without paying any tuition fees,” Minh said.
Beyond academics, the class offers a supportive community where children are introduced to biblical
teachings and encouraged to participate in church activities.
The mission of the Love Class aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of the Church of the Nazarene. It’s not just about education; it’s about transforming lives through a combination of learning and spiritual growth. By integrating biblical teachings into their curriculum, the program helps children develop a strong moral foundation while also addressing their practical needs.
This ministry is run primarily by volunteers, who often go beyond their duties in a testimony to their commitment to the children’s well-being. Three educators, including two lead pastors and a dedicated church member, teach the children. Their commitment is evident in their willingness to address the personal needs of the students, such as transporting them to class or providing personal care.
Lien* has felt the passionate care from the leaders of this class. “At 14, I was often overlooked by my peers because I couldn’t read or write,” he said. “Thanks to the teachers’ patience, I’ve learned these skills, even though they are still a bit challenging. I felt incredibly supported when they visited my grandpa in the hospital and prayed for him.”
Every month, the church provides essential food supplies to the students' families, ensuring
Story and photos provided by the Asia-Pacific Region
connection points
that their basic needs are met. This support is a lifeline for many families facing economic hardship.
Diep’s* family faced significant difficulties, but the Love Class provided much-needed relief. “I couldn’t attend public school due to our financial struggles,” Diep said. “Joining the Love Class in 2019 has been a blessing. The food support from the church has been crucial, especially during times when we had nothing to eat. I also enjoy the children’s service, where I have fun with my friends.”
The Love Class aims to expand its impact by continuing to blend education with faith, transforming lives and fostering stronger community ties. The church hopes to build on its success by strengthening its relationships with local authorities and increasing its outreach efforts. By working together, the church and its supporters can provide even more children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Zion Church of the Nazarene exemplifies how a
community of faith can extend compassion beyond its walls, offering support and being a guiding light to those in need. By nurturing both the minds and spirits of the children and their families, the church is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering a culture of kindness and understanding that echoes throughout the community.
* Children’s names are changed for their protection
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE OUT COMPASSION DAILY?
“Compassion requires presence and attentiveness – not turning a blind eye and not jumping to a quick fix. When Jesus healed or fed others, it required him to stop. Stop along the road or amid his teaching. He was open to interruption. What did he do next? He asked questions: “Why did you touch me?” “Do you want to be healed?” “Where will we find bread?” He was attentive to the answers before moving forward. So often, I feel rushed – too rushed to stop, too rushed to ask questions, too solution-focused. I can only live out compassion daily when I take time to stop and ask like my Savior did.”
- Joshua Stewardson, Papua New Guinea
“To live compassion daily means to make a commitment to our shared concern and struggles we all face in life by providing solutions that will make this world a better place for all.”
- Rev. Francis Mwansa, Luapula District Superintendent, Zambia
“In my view, to live compassion out daily is to have a heart of helping others who are in trouble. Back then when communal life was being developed, people believed to stand together. Whenever the baby is born, that baby was for the community — that even if anything happens to the baby, it was a concern for the whole community.”
- Norman Forpence, Malawi
“Living out compassion daily means having a heart that sees people as Jesus did and actively looks for opportunities every day to share hope — tangibly, emotionally, spiritually. If we look and listen, we are surrounded with chances to be hope for others. I used to overthink it. But it's small choices every day to open our eyes, open our ears, open our hearts, and open our hands. Our hope should overflow every single day. That saying about letting my heart break for what breaks God’s — that's the truth. But then do as Jesus did — feed the hungry, help the hurting, love the lost.”
- Sandi Herrington, Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene
Compassion WORD OF GOD
THROUGH THE
EVERYDAY COMPASSION
Living out compassion in community is one of the driving calls for the people of God. When God tells Israel to love the immigrant, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow, it is a call to the people of God for the sake of people who are often overlooked (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). No one is left out of the obligation of that call or the blessing. So, too, in our faith communities today, all are invited to partake of the blessings of shared, communal compassion together. One way we can include everyone is to make sure our children are not kept back from the story and blessings of God. We can invite and encourage them to obey the loving voice of God in their lives and the life of their community.
LISTEN TO OUR CHILDREN
What has God put on their hearts for their time and context? So often, children have a sharp, keen view of the needs around them – and audacious ideas for engagement! Get out the posterboard and crayons and talk it out with your kids.
HOLD LOGIC IN TENSION WITH FAITH
We serve a God of great abundance so that we will have everything we need for these good works! (2 Corinthians 9:8). Let’s not discourage our kids from thinking in those ways too. God’s love is big enough for the impossible, and our kids innately know that. Sometimes, we tell our kids to have
with Children TRUST GOD AND SAY YES!
When our kids come to us with huge ideas that make no sense to us, let’s trust God and say yes with discernment. A 5-year-old once told me about a desire to buy a house for someone experiencing homelessness so that person wouldn’t be homeless anymore. Fast forward a few years, and it actually happened. In partnership with the church the child attends, the community, and a nonprofit, and after countless prayers and intentionally building relationships, that man is now living in a home. In fact, logic would have brushed off the child’s dream as impossible to achieve. But faith makes the otherwise impossible possible, and the unseen seen (Hebrews 11:1). Maybe our kids tell us the biggest hurt they see is loneliness. Their idea might be to simply put a blanket in the grass and have a picnic – to make extra food and invite others in. Let’s do it! Our kids haven’t learned how to disregard God yet; let’s ask them how they would engage in the work of compassion in their community. We can guide them with scripture and our own experiences, but let’s keep the end goal the same: obedience to God’s call. Their answers might surprise us.
One
ministry’s mission to bring restoration to their neighbors, even during a war .
The House of Mercy ministries is located in a small village just outside of Odesa, Ukraine. It is led by Pastor Nabil Babbisi and supported by the Odesa Church of the Nazarene. This ministry has become a beacon of light for over 40 individuals who have been internally displaced due to the war or need rehabilitation services.
House of Mercy is a home where men find refuge to recover from addiction, a safe place to live, and a path towards rebuilding their lives. The men who live in the house are actively involved in the local church, serving, learning, and growing in Christ.
Among those whose lives have been transformed by the House of Mercy is Vladimir, who was once trapped in the grip of addiction for 21 long years. Today, Vladimir stands as a testament to the power of redemption, having found support within the walls of this small
Story by Crystal Gibbons Photos provided by the Eurasia Region
house. He now dedicates his life to serving others, extending the same compassion and understanding that helped him find his own path to recovery.
Despite the challenges of limited space and resources, the spirit of generosity and compassion is evident in everything the ministry supporters do at the House of Mercy.
"Although the house is very full, we meet people on the streets every day who are in need of help,” explained Vladimir. “We want everyone to be saved."
This remarkable ministry's unwavering commitment to reaching out to those in society's darkest corners underscores its mission.
Vladimir’s guiding passion finds its source in the grace and transformation that Jesus offers. “It's not just about providing temporary shelter or rehabilitation; it's about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives,” he said. “The House of Mercy isn't just a house; it's a nurturing environment where seeds of hope are planted and cultivated, fostering personal growth and transformation.”
Pastor Nabil elaborated on the ministry's journey, particularly in the wake of the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over two years. As the conflict escalated, many families found themselves displaced, their lives uprooted by violence and uncertainty. In the midst of this chaos, the House of Mercy emerged as a sanctuary, offering not just shelter but also a sense of belonging and purpose.
"We had the House of Mercy and beds available," Pastor Nabil recounts. "So we started housing as many families as we could."
As the war wages on, the ministry continues to serve internally displaced Ukrainians by bringing them together once a week and cooking for anyone who needs food in the community. The group then goes beyond the walls of the church and the house to serve food in three different locations throughout the city.
It's a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit, turning adversity into an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. But the work doesn't stop there. Pastor Nabil and his team are tirelessly working to expand the facilities. They are building more bedrooms and creating additional
space to accommodate the growing number of individuals seeking refuge and rehabilitation.
The House of Mercy is more than just a physical structure; it's a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. In a world often marred by division and despair, the House of Mercy shines brightly as a beacon of light, guiding the lost and the broken toward a brighter tomorrow.
Support and community connection, such as what people are finding at House of Mercy, can make all the difference as people are rebuilding their lives.
MINISTRY
TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE
the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and in that time period, countless people have crossed the border to seek safety and security in other countries.
While some have been able to flee, others have decided to or been required to stay. The Church of the Nazarene continues to respond in both situations, serving the Ukrainian refugee population across Europe and supporting local Nazarene churches in Ukraine as they continue to minister in the midst of war.
UKRAINE
The church in Ukraine remains faithful to the mission of the Church of the Nazarene to make Christlike disciples in the nations. In the face of war, crises, and high emigration, the church has partnered with NCM to continue to demonstrate “the light of the world,” echoing Matthew 5:14, in one of the darkest places in our time.
• Financial support allows Nazarene pastors and congregations to continue the work of discipleship, evangelism, and even baptisms.
• Three Nazarene churches have served as bomb shelters to provide a safe space for their community.
• Containers of food, clothes, and Crisis Care Kits have been sent to Ukraine to provide access to essential supplies.
• Summer Bible camps have served more than 1,500 children and 150 youth.
POLAND
Throughout the war between Russia and Ukraine, Poland has been the country to receive the most Ukrainian refugees. All throughout Poland, Ukrainians have been seeking safe places to settle while the war is ongoing.
• In Przemyśl, where up to 50,000 people traveled through the train and bus stations daily, Nazarenes were among the first to respond.
• The church and NCM provided water, snacks, toys, a safe space to rest and care for families seeking safety.
• Nazarenes in Poznań offered community activities such as tea groups for mothers, classes for children, and art therapy for Ukrainian refugee families at Sweet Surrender, a Nazarene coffee shop.
• This led to the development of a community center where Polish and English classes were offered to allow for an easier transition.
IN THE MIDTS Of WAR MINISTRY
CROATIA
The Church of the Nazarene in Croatia saw the needs of its refugee neighbors and began to reach out and support them early on in the crisis.
• Church members collected donations for a refugee center just outside of the capital city.
• A church team visits the center two times each week, providing language classes and workshops for children as well as visiting for the elderly.
• In June 2023, the local church partnered with NCM, IKEA, and UNHCR to furnish rooms, create a children’s space, and provide outdoor seating.
• A spiritual and mental health retreat provided care for Ukrainian families and church members.
ROMANIA
The day after the full invasion, Nazarenes in Romania mobilized to help transport people from the border, reunite families, care for pregnant women, and ensure the safety of minors.
• Refugees were housed at the church and other Nazarene or Nazarene-connected properties in Bucharest, Sighisoara, and Brasov.
• To increase the capacity of people they were able to host, over $25,000 worth of furniture was donated from IKEA to furnish Nazarene and Nazarene-connected properties.
• Donations of food, clothing, and other supplies were collected and distributed to waiting refugee families.
• The church also organized transportation for families reuniting in other countries. In February 2023, NCM supported a school for Ukrainian refugee children in Sighisoara.
HEALING HEARTS AND CHANGING LIVES:
The Story of Nazarene General Hospital
In the remote Waghi Valley, where mountains meet the sky and communities are far apart, Nazarene General Hospital in Papua New Guinea is a place of hope and healing. What began as a small clinic over 50 years ago has grown into a vital health care provider for thousands. This is a story of faith, compassion, and determination.
In 1967, the Church of the Nazarene opened a small clinic in the Waghi Valley. Missionary nurses worked tirelessly to care for the sick and injured. Over time, this small clinic grew into Nazarene General Hospital, a 130-bed facility that serves the entire region. In 2016, it became a Provincial Referral Hospital — a significant achievement in its journey to provide better health care. The hospital also established a nursing school to train local health care professionals, ensuring quality care for future generations.
Nazarene General Hospital is driven by a clear mission: to provide quality medical care to everyone, regardless of their background, and to show God's love through health care. The hospital is guided by the values of compassion, excellence, integrity, respect, and stewardship. These principles ensure that every patient receives not just medical treatment but also kindness and respect.
The hospital offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of the community. From outpatient and inpatient care to specialized treatments
Story by Leody Echavez
Photos Provided by Nazarene General Hospital
like surgery, maternity care, dental care, and HIV/AIDS treatment, Nazarene General Hospital is equipped to handle many health issues. It also focuses on rural health care, offering family planning, nutritional support, immunizations, and tuberculosis treatment to address the unique challenges faced by these remote communities.
REACHING THE UNREACHABLE: BRINGING HEALTH CARE TO REMOTE AREAS
Many people in the Waghi Valley live in isolated areas. To reach them, Nazarene General Hospital has opened seven rural clinics, bringing essential health care services closer to those who need them most. The hospital also trains community health workers and partners with local villages to establish primary health care centers. This way, even the most remote communities can access quality care. The true impact of Nazarene General Hospital is seen in the lives it has touched. Infant mortality rates have dropped, and many illnesses are treated effectively.
STRENGTH IN UNITY: COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Nazarene General Hospital's mission is supported by partnerships with local and international organizations. These collaborations bring valuable resources like expertise, funding, and equipment, allowing the hospital to expand its services and reach more people in need. Working together, these partners amplify the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive care.
The Waghi Valley’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure pose significant challenges. However, Nazarene General Hospital meets these obstacles with creativity and determination. Mobile medical clinics and rotational doctor visits to rural areas are just a couple of the innovative solutions that ensure health care is accessible to everyone, no matter how remote. Nazarene General Hospital believes that true health care goes beyond treatment to include education and community involvement. Health
Nazarene General Hospital serves patients who would otherwise struggle to find access to life-saving health care.
education programs raise awareness about preventive care and hygiene practices. By working with local leaders and training community health workers, the hospital promotes better health practices within villages, empowering communities to take charge of their health.
Looking to the future, Nazarene General Hospital plans to expand its training programs and welcome new local
emergency medicine and anesthesia, enhancing the hospital’s capabilities. They will also carry forward the hospital's mission, combining medical expertise with the compassionate care inspired by the Great Physician.
Nazarene General Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and resilience in the Waghi Valley. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a vital health care provider, its journey is a testimony to the power of service, faith, and community. As it continues to grow and touch more lives, the hospital remains committed to healing, serving, and inspiring. Each day, it proves that through compassion and dedication, we can change the world—one patient at a time.
“God is moving here in Papua New Guinea. What a privilege to be able to join him in his work.” - Daniel Dyer, MD
“
by Alexandra Saliba
IN GILEAD: A BALM
How a Clinic in Beirut Brings Healing to Many
Jeremiah, the prophet, mourned over the state of his people that, “The harvest is past, the summer ended, and we are not saved.” (8:20). Then he cried out, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (8:22). The image is vibrant. A desperate father or mother travels many days to the marketplace of Gilead, renowned for being a major stop on the trade routes. They are looking for balm for their ailing child. After searching hopelessly all day, they sink to the ground in a cry of anguish. Is there no balm in Gilead?
Over the past 14 years, more than two and a half million Syrian refugees flooded into the country of Lebanon. Over a million people moved on to other countries, but an estimated one million still remain, and more continue to seek safety there to this day. One of their biggest challenges is finding appropriate medical care.
Following the economic downfall of October 2019 and the horrific Beirut port explosion of August 2020, the Lebanese population has been increasingly facing similar challenges in finding the funds for medical care. Add to that, Lebanon is already
host to thousands of migrant workers who come in from parts of Africa and far East Asia.
In a sense, over the last several years, more than half the population of Lebanon— locals, refugees, and migrant workers—have been groaning under the scepter of economic distress and a failing public medical system.
There is no balm in Gilead.
In October 2020, the Beirut Church of the Nazarene expanded a small ministry that checked on patients in their homes into a clinic close to its church in eastern Beirut called Balasaan, the Arabic word for balm from Jeremiah 8:22.
The church community knew early
Story by
Joanna Nasrallah and Nabil Habiby |
Photos
on it wanted to offer physical and psychological care, understanding that many of the people it is serving have had traumatic experiences. Therefore, the center includes 10 specialists, two of whom are psychologists and psychiatrists. The clinic also offers the services of a physical therapist, general practitioner, pediatrician, orthopedic doctor, nutritionist, and gynecologist, in addition to two administrative staff and a resident nurse.
The clinic has served 400 patients from different nationalities. Approximately 70 percent of patients are Lebanese, 25 percent are Syrian, and 5 percent are from other nationalities. This data reflects the population of the local area in eastern Beirut, where the church and clinic are located.
Over the past four years, patients paid USD 0.70 to register at the clinic, and the fee will increase to USD 1.10 starting in the fall of 2024. Then, the patients can see any specialist free of charge.
The clinic covers 50 percent of most medical tests at an external partner clinic and 20 percent of the cost of any medicine sourced from a pharmacy.
Ahlam* is a Syrian mother who visited Jenny, a physical therapist, for some body aches. While in conversation with Jenny, who also directs the clinic, it became clear that Ahlam was experiencing trauma from the sonic bombs that Israel had been letting off over Beirut over the past 10 months. Those loud booms had awakened a trauma reaction in Ahlam’s body after living through the Syrian war. Jenny offered to pray for Ahlam, who was pleasantly surprised that a health care center also offers prayer.
She accepted the offer. Jenny explained that when she was done praying, Ahlam “simply looked up at me and smiled” and later reported feeling calmer. The act of praying with her in love had calmed her nervous spirit.
The clinic staff explained that offering prayer alongside physical and mental care seemed to be a recurrent avenue of building relationships and helping the patients feel loved and cared for.
Andrea* is a 40-year-old woman from the Philippines. A local nongovernment organization (NGO) that works with migrant workers had sent her to Balasaan clinic for care.
She visited the general doctor for tests and found out that she had breast cancer. She was very frightened, especially since she did not have any family in Lebanon and her official papers had been stolen from her a while back.
Andrea underwent surgery to treat her cancer. The staff at the clinic and Andrew, pastor of the Beirut Church of the Nazarene, came to pray for her a day before the operation. As the church and clinic staff stood around her in prayer, she broke down in tears.
The operation was a success! She has since kept in contact with the clinic and visited again to thank the staff for all their support. She found a balm in a foreign land. The staff shared that even more than their joy for the health of Andrea, they too gained valuable experience in liaison with NGOs and hospitals to fund her medical operation.
The staff understands the importance and privilege of the dual spiritual and physical care they provide.
“In Balasaan, I practice medicine, but I can also use my God-given gifts in the best possible way,” explained Jenny. “I feel I can direct my practice in a holistic manner. I am able to offer them medical help and also prayer.”
Balasaan is uniquely situated to respectfully and lovingly care for the marginalized. It is certainly not the only clinic in Beirut, but the church has, in a prayerful spirit, created a space of deep healing for the vulnerable.
Alia* is a 6-year-old Sudanese girl living in Beirut with her mother, who is a migrant worker. Their father stayed behind in Sudan.
Alia had a problem with her lungs, and according to the doctor, this was a unique case in Lebanon. She had a 10 percent chance of surviving. Alia needed to have the operation as soon as possible because of the risk of The
an infection spreading in her body.
Alia’s mother had already visited the clinic several times for different check-ups, and she was always resistant to prayer. On the day that she found out about her daughter’s sickness, she accepted prayer. Pastor Andrew came and prayed with the family, anointing the young girl with oil.
On the day of the surgery, the clinic staff fasted and prayed. The operation was a complete success, and Alia recovered without any complications. Alia has continued coming to the doctor for check-ups, and her
“This is not just a job for me but a place to show God’s grace. I have noticed that I, too, have grown in grace while working in this place.”
mother has expressed her deepest gratitude. Alia’s father called in from Sudan to thank the church and clinic for their love.
Jenny noticed that a certain Syrian family that lives in the Nabaa area, the northern slums of Beirut, pays for transportation to visit the clinic regularly. She asked the parents why they wouldn’t choose to seek care in any of the many clinics around them in Nabaa.
“The pediatrician here in Balasaan was the first pediatrician who treated our kids with respect and love,” explained the parents.
In a country where the local Lebanese population is increasingly hostile towards the Syrian refugees, Balasaan is a space of acceptance and equal medical and mental care for all people.
The political and social situation in Lebanon continues to worsen. The inhabitants hold tight, dreading further economic downfalls and wars. But the Balasaan clinic shines through as a place of calm in the midst of this storm.
Alexandra, co-director of the clinic, shares her testimony of being overwhelmed by the issues that she sees in the patients who visit the clinic. But she feels strengthened by the services the clinic offers.
“What continues to give me strength is the fact that we help them and that we show them God’s love,” Alexandra said."This is not just a job for me but a
place to show God’s grace. I have noticed that I, too, have grown in grace while working in this place.”
Many summers and winters have passed, and it feels like Lebanon is stuck in never-ending political and economic turmoil. But the church and clinic workers wait. And while they wait, they do the work of Christ.
A few verses after Jeremiah issues a call of distress for the absence of a balm, and in the midst of pronouncing judgment, we have the calming words of Jeremiah 9:23-24.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things, I delight, declares the Lord.’”
We hold on to this hope that as we practice steadfast love, mercy, and healing, we delight the Lord, the church, the patients of Balasaan Clinic, and the world.
*Names changed for patients' privacy
IF YOU WANT TO GIVE AND SUPPORT THE WORK IN LEBANON, VISIT: ncm.org/hopeforlebanon
”We hold on to this hope that as we practice steadfast love, mercy, and healing, we delight the Lord, the church, the patients of Balasaan Clinic, and the world."
THE CHURCH RESPONDS to the Crisis in the Middle East
Photos provided by the Eurasia Region
In recent weeks and months, intensified conflict in the Middle East has led to loss of life, destruction of homes and businesses, and widespread fear. The Church of the Nazarene is present in Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the Middle East, with each church seeking to be a source of compassion and love for their neighbors.
In Lebanon, mass evacuations and displacement due to conflict caused nearly 1.2 million people to leave their homes in search of safety. Many have sought refuge in the city of Beirut, where four Nazarene churches, a Nazarene school, and the Balassan Nazarene clinic are active. Even as church members have lost their own homes and businesses, these churches and ministries are responding to provide care for their members, neighbors, and those seeking refuge.
Access to food is an ongoing issue for many families, particularly families that have opened their homes to people who have been displaced. Lebanese churches have organized to dispense hot meals, food vouchers, mattresses, and bedding. Hospitals in the city are completely full but the Nazarene clinic is providing free medical check-ups and medication. After being closed for several weeks and unable to start the new academic year, the Nazarene school has reopened on a limited basis. The 400 students will attend in shifts to ensure that learning can continue and to help children regain a sense of stability.
“Kids are home nonstop, exposed to the war news and updates,” explained Marlene, principal of the Nazarene school. “At school, kids are able to socialize ... At school, they are distracted from the war news. At school, they are able to learn and focus.”
These photos are from prior to the conflict. The school has been a place of hope and stability in the community for many years, allowing them to continually care for their community even in times of uncertainty.
Over the years, Lebanon has witnessed economic hardship and conflict. The country's needs are vast, but the Church of the Nazarene in Lebanon is remaining faithful to the call to serve people in need with the love of Christ.
Pastor Andrew Salameh, Nazarene District Superintendent in Lebanon, is seeing the church in action as people respond to the great needs in Lebanon.
In Israel, many people, including members from five Nazarene churches, have sought safety in bomb shelters and are living with the constant tension of sirens and missile strikes in their neighborhoods. Churches in Israel continue to minister to those in their communities who are suffering during this conflict and fearing the continued escalation of war.
“[We have been able] to mobilize and serve the hundreds of displaced individuals who have sought refuge in the areas surrounding our churches,” he explained. “The first phase of our relief efforts, which included the distribution of mattresses, pillows, food packages, clothing, and hot meals, has been successfully completed. As winter approaches, we are now preparing for the second phase of distribution. We are grateful to have a committed group of young volunteers and church members who have been actively engaged in this critical humanitarian response, offering their time and energy to support those most affected by this crisis.”
The church will be responding to the fallout from this conflict for years to come. Access to food, housing, medical care, and emotional support are at the forefront of people’s minds.
If you want to join in the work OF BUILDING PEACE AND RESTORING STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
please join the church in prayer and consider giving here: ncm.org/middleeast
“Now we do planning, save for the future, and are spending money according to our needs. Before, I used to give up easily, but now I cannot easily give up because I have awareness.”
Hunger HOPEto From
Through Food Security
Fabiola and her children moved in with her mother after Fabiola’s husband passed away. “Before, we had no plans and were not saving for the future,” Fabiola said. Many in her community experienced illness due to malnutrition. Fabiola had the opportunity to join a farmers’ association where she and 19 other women were taught sustainable farming practices that led to savings groups and small business development.
During the last two years, Nazarene churches have partnered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to provide solutions to hunger and malnutrition in communities across Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia. Due to climate changes and increased disasters like cyclones and drought, these communities that have historically been agricultural hubs have struggled with growing adequate food. Local leaders have provided training on sustainable farming practices, which led groups to be able to eventually harvest and sell their produce and livestock. They have also been trained in food preservation, business practices, and financial management. Now that the training has been completed, groups will continue to meet and educate their neighbors on sustainable farming and gardening practices, as well as sustaining their savings groups.
Additionally, this initiative strengthened local churches. Church members saw that as the food security project encouraged the community, more church members wanted to serve and provide care to their community. As a result, most churches reported that their members were growing spiritually, new people were joining the church, and the churches were more unified.
“Before the project, the pastor only was doing outreach to help the community in bringing transformation,” explained one church member in Malawi. “When the project came, we sat down as a church, meditating on what the project team taught us and on how we can implement the lessons. Those trainings have today made us [succesful]. We started contributions that we used to support our initiative of supporting the needy. As a church, we became very united.”
Kablalo joined the training in Malawi. However, a cyclone, followed by drought, severely impacted the country in the first year of the program.
“I was affected by two natural disasters. During the cyclone, my field was washed away. That time I had planted maize and millet. My maize was washed away. However, I survived on millet, which persevered during the floods. The project also gave me seeds for vegetables during the floods, which helped me make money because I was able to sell some vegetables to my neighbors. The past 12 months have been difficult. The effects of climate change have made my crops not to do well. This has made me survive on sales coming from my small fish business. Through [the small] business I do, I have managed to maintain eating two or three meals a day. We are no longer wasting food. We cook only what we can consume. This has helped us to save money. Today, I feel happy and content.”
“This project has changed my thinking abilities in agriculture and also my ability to know that money is supposed to be saved for the future.”
Education has been the foundational aspect of this project. Training in agricultural practices, financial planning, and business management has helped set community members up for long-term success.
Program participants also used tools to demonstrate to the trainers which months their households have plenty of food and which months they have a food shortage. This helps with planning for seasons when harvest fluctuates.
Working with livestock is one skill that helps provide food and income for families. Animal husbandry creates sustainable pathways for financial stability and life transformation.
Brenda is a mother living in Zambia with her seven children. Prior to these trainings, she struggled to provide for her family.
“Before the project, we didn't know anything, especially how to do the gardens. So, when we started receiving seeds, we were able to do our own gardens, and we are raising some money to help provide food for the family, even to sell some and then send our children to school.” IN
PARTICIPATING CHURCHES
“As a woman, my dignity is restored,” Brenda said. “In the past, I could walk without shoes and not feed my kids properly. Sometimes we didn’t have clothes, sometimes we walked barefoot because there was no money to buy shoes, and it was very difficult even to keep our children. It was very difficult. But now, after receiving the trainings, we are able to make our own manure and provide for our children.”
When community members have adequate nutrition and extra income from selling their extra produce, they can focus on following their dreams to start small businesses.
The long-term effects of this training will impact families now and in the future. The skills that community members have acquired will allow them to continue growing their businesses and providing for their families.
Cecilia took the profits she made from selling her extra produce in the market and started a business making scones. She sells them close to the school, so she can take her children to school each day and sell the scones to people as they come and go.
“The reason I'm optimistic about the future is that before the project, I did not know how to save food. And also, I did not know how to handle my finances. But after that project, we learned about food preservation and also financial literacy. I'm now able to save in a savings group. And once we've shared money in that, I can now buy anything I want.”
“Today how I feel, I'm happy for the project. When I see the harvest, I'm confident,” explained one young adult. “That's why I'm not afraid for the future. [Earlier], when we looked for our harvest, it was hopeless. We didn't see the future. Today it is different [than when] the project started. Before we've been part of this
training to get those skills, we [were] very behind. We cultivated for long, and we got nothing. Today, we have courage, and we have energy; even when we do [it] for a small plot of land, we can produce more compared to the previous harvesting. For that, we are thankful. And then we see the future behind our goal.”
Changing Changing Changing a neighborhood a neighborhood Changing a ministry a ministry
It was nearing the end of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the staff and members of Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene (CFN) decided they had to do something to reintroduce themselves to the neighborhood. Months of careful gathering required the congregation to focus primarily on the needs of those closely connected to the church. Now, they wanted to look beyond the church walls to the community. Health and safety measures required that whatever they planned had to be outside—but what would resonate?
Pat Glenn, lead pastor, explains that they settled on a simple Christmas block party.
“We decided ... we would just invite our neighbors and just put up a sign and put it out there on social media.”
That sign and a few posts did the trick.
Close to 350 people arrived for a free meal and activities, most of whom had never visited the church before. The staff was also surprised to notice that at least two-thirds of these guests spoke English as a second language.
“Our community looks nothing like what we thought it did,” Pastor Glenn recalled realizing. “It doesn’t look like anything that all our reports say.”
The response to this free event and the demographic questions it raised fueled a radical change in the church's ministry direction.
Today, that single block party has evolved into an ongoing ministry called Hope in the Park, a monthly food distribution and community meal that reaches around 500 people. Between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds of food are distributed
Story and photos by Amy Heckman
at each event. The annual Christmas block party now sees nearly 2,000 people in attendance.
The path to this point was lined with very intentional listening and learning.
CREATING HOPE
“We told the staff, told our leaders ... just go listen. Don’t tell them about us,” said Sandi Herrington, executive administrator. “And that’s where we realized the need for community and the need for English classes. We realized that food insecurity was still a big issue in our area. And so, we created Hope in the Park.”
Sandi chuckles, remembering the staff’s concern over the limited outdoor space available on the campus.
“We had literally a patch of dirt,” she shared. “And we [said], in New York City, that’s a park, right? So we took this space that was unused, and people started coming.”
For almost four years, Hope in the Park has brought neighbors to CFN on a regular basis. They come for a free community meal, a place for their children to play and bounce on inflatables, and a food distribution provided by Feeding Tampa Bay, a local agency committed to reducing hunger. Close to 50 volunteers are on hand each month to facilitate this outreach.
Jorge Colon, known as “George,” wouldn’t miss Hope in the Park for the world. He’s one of the key volunteers.
Five years ago, George was new to Clearwater, struggling with personal grief and loss. His adult daughter, pregnant with his grandchild, tragically lost her life. Then, he experienced a divorce, followed by an injury at work and lay off. Florida seemed like a good place to start over. A budding friendship with a neighbor helped him find the Nazarene church.
“What brought me in the door was my friend, Wayne,” shares George. “He would knock at my door every Sunday.” Eventually, George finally agreed to visit CFN with Wayne.
“He [said], ‘You need to come to church,’” recalled George. “‘You need to come to church!’ It was a hard couple of years. But [Wayne] was like a father to me. He always told me I was his little son he never had.”
Wayne’s friendship and invitation opened the door for George to return to a faith community and reconnect with God, and it didn’t take long to realize there was something different about the people at CFN.
“Oh, people here are just amazing,” he said. “They’re my family. They reach out to me more than my own family.”
Soon, George was serving at Hope in the Park, and
his bilingual skills made him an effective volunteer.
One of the barriers the church faced in the early days was breaking the stereotypes around traditional food distribution. Some people, especially those in the immigrant community, were nervous to come, fearing that their lack of certain documentation or
out-of-state license plates might disqualify them from receiving food. In contrast to other events that may have restrictions, CFN is committed to providing food to everyone who attends. George helps to address that fear when someone seems hesitant, and he connects especially with the Spanish-speaking community.
“I talk to them in Spanish, and I tell them how the program works,” he explained. “And they feel comfortable, and now they come in.”
“A lot of people struggle,” he continues. “Especially people who have a lot of pain around faith, like God let them down. I felt that, but not anymore.”
BRIDGING GAPS THROUGH LANGUAGE CLASS
After a year of Hope in the Park, CFN staff was ready to expand their community support. They knew from the beginning that their neighborhood had a high immigrant population and that English classes were consistently requested.
Elizabeth Lauer grew up at CFN and stayed connected to the congregation as she earned her
degrees in English language education and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Elizabeth was preparing to move overseas to teach English and share her faith until the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause in her plans. She started volunteering with Hope in the Park, encountered the diverse participants, and soon came to Sandi with a revelation.
“‘I don’t think I need to go overseas,’” Sandi recalls Elizabeth saying. “‘I think God is bringing the world right here. Can I start English classes?’”
From there, the church’s connection to its community deepened in ways the congregation
“All these things have just been a natural overflow of meeting our neighbors and wanting to meet their needs.”
couldn’t have imagined at first. The staff made sure the English classes were easy to attend. From free tuition and no documentation requirement to childcare and snacks, they knew that a foundation of treating students with dignity would send a clear message of love and care.
“Now, we have beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes and three childcare groups,” Sandi said. “It’s a wonderfully crazy place here on Friday nights!”
Elizabeth has joined the church staff as director of Compassionate Ministries. She’s also begun training with the U.S. Department of Justice so that the church can open an official immigration legal services center.
“All these things have just been a natural overflow of meeting our neighbors and wanting to meet their
needs,” Sandi explained. “We’ve met people who have gone through horrific situations in immigration. We’ve developed trust within the immigrant community here, and they know that it’s safe here, and we’re going to do our best to meet their needs holistically.”
When the legal services center opens, Elizabeth and others will be able to offer official guidance and legal representation for people undergoing immigration proceedings and status changes, such as applying for green cards or pursuing citizenship.
HOLISTIC CARE AND CHANGING HEARTS
Each of these services—from food distribution to English classes to legal aid—reflects the church community’s faith in action, providing holistic
care that goes beyond the basics. That care doesn’t stop with those ministries, either.
Almost daily, some kind of compassionate ministry group fills the halls and rooms of the church with activity and noise. One group of women has met for years to sew bags and quilts for children in the foster care system. The church hosts short-term outreaches like a Back-to-School night to provide classroom supplies for any child in need. A soccer ministry launches this fall. A Portuguese ministry is growing. Bible studies in Spanish are reaching people who couldn’t easily attend a study before.
Each layer of outreach is done with the goal of spreading Jesus’ love.
“Some of those families have joined us, made a decision for Christ, gotten baptized ... and that’s wonderful, but that’s not contingent on them receiving any of our benefits or what we offer,” Sandi said. “We feel like every one of our [ministries] intersects with the other. On any given Sunday, we might have anywhere from three to eight different languages represented in the congregation.”
The demographic inside the church is slowly starting to match that of the local community. That slow change has been mirrored in the congregation's feelings. Church-wide prayer, fasting, and devotionals on immigration have helped shape the congregation’s hearts.
FINDING CONFIDENCE AND FRIENDSHIP
Nasima lives just down the street and is an English student at CFN. Her story of transformation
school or traveling freely. When she was a young teen, she spent several years forced to learn at home. Her father did his best to continue her education. Then, once the leadership of Afghanistan shifted, Nasima entered school again, eventually graduated college, and became a professor of Pashto literature.
“Our community looks nothing like what we thought it did. It doesn’t look like anything that all our reports say.”
strated at the church, where her family also received help with meeting some of their basic needs.
It was a long journey paved with lots of heartache for Nasima, her husband, and three daughters to find their way to Clearwater. They came from Afghanistan, where decades of war took their toll on the entire population. Her husband, formally educated as a school teacher, worked for the U.S. military for several years, earning him, his wife, and his children the right to apply for refugee status.
Nasima remembered what it was like to live under authoritarian rule as a girl, prohibited from attending
While leaving as refugees provided an escape, it meant leaving behind many loved ones with little hope of seeing them again.
After months of vetting and waiting for approval to travel, Nasima and her family arrived in Florida and, like all refugees, immediately began to work on setting up a life and finding work. But during that process, her children still needed to eat. Nasima walked to Hope in the Park, received some food, and returned to their new apartment. The isolation was hard—she didn’t understand the language, and each task felt overwhelming. Nasima was struggling.
“I am always in [my] house. Three months, always in [my] house. I was a teacher in Afghanistan, but [I had depression]. I’m always shy. I’m not [wanting to] speak to other people,” she shared.
Nasima’s daughters needed more food, and her husband urged her to return to the church. She walked into CFN, terrified to try to communicate.
The church staff quickly gathered food and invited her to English class. She came the next day.
Elizabeth has taught Nasima for almost two years, and they consider themselves as close as family now. Nasima’s face brightens when she talks about learning from Elizabeth.
“She is a good teacher, always a good teacher!” she exclaimed.
Elizabeth has equally warm words about Nasima.
“Nasima is the best student,” she said, beaming. “She is always very eager to learn. She challenges herself. Her ability to read and write is very proficient. She just inspires a lot of people.”
Nasima says that CFN is her church and school now. She expresses that through her friendship with Elizabeth, she knows that God sees her and cares for her.
“God is loving me, even as I do [a] very hard journey,” Nasima said. “I come here. I still love it here. I see Elizabeth, and she helped me. Now I’m speaking. This is a big change.”
A PLACE OF HOPE
Pastor Pat easily explains what he hopes his church will be known as in the community.
“A place of hope!” he said. “But we want to also make sure we explain that hope has a name. We want to make sure that [the community participants] understand the foundation of hope is Jesus Christ. We’re going to bless our community with the intention of leading them to Jesus.”
Sandi is quick to point out that on paper, what they’re doing doesn’t seem feasible, but God keeps providing. Hope in the Park feeds and cares for hundreds of people a month with only a monthly
budget of USD 700. Dozens of church volunteers provide 40 students with weekly English classes and childcare. Bags keep flying out the door for foster kids.
“What is the result?” Sandi muses, considering the impact of a student like Nasima encountering the ministries at CFN. “It empowers a community. She’s the one taking neighbors to school, helping them get signed up for school, helping them find resources. And that’s something you just can’t put a price tag on, you know?”
“When you’re not just listening to your community, but you listen to the voice of God, and then you follow, all of a sudden, crazy doors of opportunity open,” she continued. “We can’t do everything, but we can do something.”
Blessing Our Community
A USA/CANADA REGION INVITATION TO CARE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS.
If you want to learn more about the Blessing Our Community initiative, visit the link provided on the QR code. There, you'll find free resources such as a Community and Congregation Assessment, Prayer Walk Instructions, and a reading list for further learning. These resources are designed to help you ask, “What is God doing in my community?” and discover how you can meaningfully join his mission to bless, redeem, and restore the world right here where we live, work, and play.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLESSING OUR COMMUNITY INITIATIVE, VISIT:
https://usacanadaregion.org/blessing
https://www.clearwaternazarene.org/ TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE CLEARWATER FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, VISIT:
Community members gather monthly to share a meal and build bridges cross-culturally.
A LOOK INTO HURRICANE RESPONSE 2024
In late September and early October, North America was struck by three different hurricanes: Helene, John, and Milton. These disasters impacted countless people, including Nazarene churches and the communities they serve.
IN FLORIDA, USA
Hurricane Helene, a Category 3 hurricane, struck the state of Florida, USA, from the Gulf of Mexico and carved a destructive path throughout much of the Southeastern United States. Helene brought a record-breaking storm surge in Florida, as well as torrential rains and flooding in North Carolina, South Carolina, east Tennessee, Georgia, and West Virginia.
Photos provided by the region
IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS
IN MEXICO
Hurricane John made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the southwest coastal state of Gurrero on September 24 before weakening. The remnants then moved back over the ocean, where John redeveloped and made a second landfall as a tropical storm in the neighboring state of Michoacán. According to Cutberto Tenorio, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator in Mexico, Acapulco, Costa Chica, and Tierra Caliente were hit hardest by flooding. Many families have been evacuated and relocated to governmentestablished shelters.
Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 hurricane, struck the Tampa Bay area of the Gulf Coast of Florida, USA, less than two weeks after Helene. It caused at least 38 tornados to rip across the state, as well as flooding and destruction caused by high winds.
Nazarene churches across the USA began collecting emergency relief items to send to communities that were without power and water for weeks. Once it was safe and accessible, churches formed groups to travel to impacted areas to help with debris removal and cleanup. Nazarene Disaster Response teams and our partner organizations distributed Crisis Care Kits. Not only did these volunteers provide physical support, but they also sat with people, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and encouraged them.
The church in Mexico responded quickly. Volunteer teams have helped their neighbors by cleaning, removing mud and debris, and disinfecting walls and floors. They are also providing food, clothing, and purified water packages to affected families.
“Many communities have come together to support each other,” Tenorio said.
Dale Schaeffer, District Superintendent of the Florida District has seen God at work through local churches, even in some of the most challenging times.
“The biggest way that I've seen God at work is through the whole people of God responding with Spiritled compassion for their neighbors,” he explained.
“I'm receiving messages from pastors like Gerron Showalter at Port Orange Church of the Nazarene. Their building suffered windblown water damage, but lay leaders led the way in opening the building, helping neighbors, and getting the word out.”
Showalter reported that after a long weekend of helping neighbors rebuild fences, cut down trees, and clean up after the hurricane, they were able to continue to show people hope through hospitality.
Even as floods and high winds damaged their homes and churches, the people of God showed up for their neighbors by providing hot meals, clean water, shower stations, emergency items, and a helping hand.
“[Our community] knows that we will help them navigate difficult situations. Many had no idea what to do or where to go. We helped them find their evacuation zones, find shelters, and know what to take. [This is the result of] relationship building over time with our neighbors and holistically caring about them and all their needs, not just the spiritual ones,” Sandi Herrington, Clearwater First Church of the Nazarene.
“We opened up the church for free food, free clean kids’ clothes, free AC, free games, and phone charging ports. It was amazing,” said Showalter. “It was just word of mouth on social media, but [several partner organizations] heard and helped promote it. And it was lay-led! God is moving in our people and in the community."
Many of these communities will experience a long recovery and rebuilding process, but the church is committed to being Jesus' hands and feet through this long process.
TO PARTNER WITH THESE CHURCHES TO HELP WITH LONGTERM RELIEF EFFORTS, VISIT: NCM.ORG/2024STORMS
May kingdomyourcome God of comfort and peace,
We bring to you the vast needs of our world.
Lord, we lift up those affected by war and violence. Surround them with your peace and protection. Empower leaders to pursue new paths and reconciliation, fostering an environment where all can live in harmony.
As we witness the devastation of disasters and the escalating force of weather patterns, we ask for your comfort for those who have lost their homes and loved ones. We pray for the resilience of communities as they rebuild and recover. We ask for wisdom in stewardship of our planet so that we may honor the creation you entrusted to us.
Gracious God, remind us of our call to love our neighbors near and far. Ignite our hearts with compassion and urgency so that we may actively work towards healing and restoration.
on earth as in heaven
Give us imaginations that reflect your heart for the world, serving and advocating for the oppressed and providing hope to the hopeless.
Let us be a light in the darkness, sharing the love of Christ with those who suffer.
May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
a Light in the darkness Amen.
READ
A CHARITABLE DISCOURSE, VOLUME 2: Uncomfortable Conversations
By Dan Boone
In A Charitable Discourse, Volume 2, Dan Boone invites us to join leaders in godly conversations on topics that traditionally have caused tension and division within our communities. Boone gives us tools to thoughtfully engage in conversations to bring healing, growth, and wholeness to our churches and communities. Available at The Foundry Publishing
STUDY
A CHARITABLE DISCOURSE, VOLUME 2: Small Group Guide
This small group resource provides videos to help guide conversations on many of the topics discussed in the book. Boone sets out to help groups enter uncomfortable conversations with a Christlike posture and attitude. It is available at The Foundry Publishing
WATCH
WOMEN OF WELCOME
Provides equipping resources for conversations about a Christian perspective on immigration and refugees. Jenny Yang provides thoughtful and insightful discussion. Watch it here: https://womenofwelcome.com/equippingseries
LISTEN
THE PEACE TALKS PODCAST
This podcast explores conversations that aim to promote formation, justice, and peace. This episode features devotional songwriter Jon Guerra. The hosts explore the intersection of music, art, and peacebuilding. Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.
SCAN HERE TO WATCH NOW
SCAN HERE TO LISTEN NOW
One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of SERVING GOD.
And, since he is invisible to our eyes, WE ARE TO SERVE HIM IN OUR NEIGHBOR, which he receives as if done to himself in person,
STANDING VISIBLY BEFORE US.
-John Wes
Founder of the Methodist Movement, 1703-1791
God has always wanted the vulnerable to be cared for. He never intended for them to languish in poverty, abuse, slavery, homelessness, or other types of devastation. When we care for individuals trapped in these ways, when we show them love and help them move toward freedom and wholeness, we participate in bringing a part of God’s Kingdom back into alignment with his greater plan.
John M Perkins
