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In Memoriam: 30 August 2024

Nazarene News Staff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 26-30 August 2024.

Danny Biddinger, 83, of Westcliffe, Colorado, passed away 18 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Biddinger.
Martha Biddinger, 83, of Westcliffe, Colorado, passed away 16 August 2024. She was the spouse of Danny Biddinger, a retired minister who served in Missouri.

Tony Hayes, 73, of Georgetown, Kentucky, passed away 22 August 2024. He was the pastor of New Life Church of the Nazarene in Dry Ridge, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Linda Hayes.

Barbara Heckathorn, 76, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away 15 August 2024. She was the wife of James Heckathorn a minister who serves in Florida. James served previously in Virginia, Texas, Missouri, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Florida.

Barbara Irwin, 91, of Washington, Pennsylvania, passed away 26 August 2024. She was the widow of James Irwin, a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Maryland. James passed away in 2023.

Carl Smith, 81, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away 26 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Tennessee, West Virginia, and Florida.

Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Remembering Arnold Carlson Jr.

Nazarene News Staff

Arnold Carlson Jr., 97, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on 4 August 2024. He was a retired district superintendent who led the Rocky Mountain District from 1983 to 1992.

Carlson was born 6 March 1927. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pasadena City College and his master’s degree from Pasadena Nazarene College in 1951. He became an ordained minister in 1953 while pastoring Exeter Church of the Nazarene in California.

He then served subsequent pastorates in California: Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene in Denair (1953-1956), Bakersfield Ridgeview Community Church of the Nazarene (1956-1961), Riverside First Church of the Nazarene (1961-1967), and Redwood City Church of the Nazarene (1967-1972).

Carlson then moved to Oregon, where he pastored Springfield First Church of the Nazarene from 1972 to 1980. He served a shorter stint at Casper First Church of the Nazarene in Wyoming before becoming the superintendent of the Rocky Mountain District from 1983 until his retirement in 1992.

His family says Carlson was a man of God, pastor, husband, and father. He was their family prayer warrior. He brought countless lives to the Lord.

Carlson was preceded in death by his first wife, Gracie Carlson, and his second wife, E. Faye Carlson.

He is survived by wife, Nelda Herrick-Carlson; son, Philip Carlson; and stepdaughter, Jana Miller; three grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other family.

A celebration of life will be held in McMinnville, Oregon, on 19 October 2024.

Colombia holds first national communications conference

Nazarene News Staff

Colombia’s first national communications conference was held at the Casa de Oración church in the Pasoancho neighborhood of Cali from 16-17 August. Participants learned about creativity, graphic design, social networks, audiovisual production, and online broadcasts.

The event was attended by 52 participants from five districts of the country, as well as the communications coordinator of Ecuador, Luis Fernando Quishpi; the strategy coordinator of the Andean North Field, Juan Soto; and the Colombia Sur-Occidental District Superintendent Jerrison Ambuila, who warmly welcomed to the attendees.

Among the speakers was Jeremy Matheus, national communications coordinator for Colombia; Rony Cabarcas, social media administrator for the Church of the Nazarene in South America; Milton Matheus, holistic ministry coordinator for Colombia; Juan Esteban Castro, production coordinator for the Casa de Oración church; Alexander Romero, communications coordinator for the South American Region; and Julián Matallana, digital marketing advisor for the Casa de Oración church.

During the event, people participated in interactive workshops. Dyanna, one of the participants, said she attended a workshop on managing social media effectively. She says the workshop taught her how to create engaging content and connect with her community through digital platforms.

“I learned techniques to take striking photos and record videos that can capture people’s attention and convey our message of faith in a more powerful way,” she said Dyanna. “I am eager to implement strategies to improve our online presence and share God’s love in a way that resonates with our local community. I am ready to put everything I have learned into practice and lead my church into new outreach and connection opportunities.”

Néstor Tirado from the North Central District of Bogotá said he was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Church of the Nazarene’s communications needs and how to get involved at a regional and local level.

Jazmin Soto said her experience was beautiful, as the workshop strengthened her knowledge and expanded her skills.

“In this way, we will be able to expand the message of God through the media,” she said. “This congress planted in each of us the commitment and vision to use our skills to bring the message of hope and love to more people. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to see and experience everything coming for the Church of the Nazarene in Colombia from the communications perspective.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Mesoamerica youth congress gathers more than 700 youth in Dominican Republic

Nazarene News Staff

The Mesoamerica Region Nazarene Youth International gathered 762 participants from 17 countries at the regional youth congress, themed "Surrender," in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

"Our goal is to teach young people that surrendering is about surrendering our life, will, and desire completely to God and that we trust in his plan for our lives," said Benjamin Soria, regional NYI coordinator, regarding the theme chosen for this event.

The congress was held from 18 to 21 July.

The Mesoamerica worship ministry led worship. Carlos Saenz, director of the Mesoamerica Region, and Rian Williams, superintendent of the Trinidad and Tobago District, shared the preaching.

Also invited to preach were Janary Suyat, Asia-Pacific regional NYI coordinator; Christian Sarmiento, general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene; David Gonzalez, global NYI director; and Christiano Malta, NYI global council president.

Additionally, NYI field coordinators Danielle Miller, Edgar Corzo, Jerson Chupina, and Joel Bermudez shared about sexual purity, generational ministries, identity, and the influence of social media.

Plenary speakers challenged the participants to reflect the character of Christ, to seek unity as children of God, to share the gospel with a living and holy testimony, to educate and empower others, and to understand the importance of being filled with God's Holy Spirit. Above all, the students were challenged to surrender and consecrate their lives to God.

Different activities were held, including sports and recreational activities. Other events included a cultural parade and a regional youth Bible quizzing competition. The winners of the English and Spanish language competitions were the Leeward/Virgin Islands District and Guatemala, respectively.

Gonzalez recounted a testimony from the conference that began when a couple waited for him after his preaching. The woman told him they were not participants in the event but guests at the hotel. The night before, she and her husband, Gilberto, had heard the music and tried to join the activity, but the hotel staff did not allow them because they were not participants in the event, so they stayed outside listening that night.

The following day, they tried again and were met by Soria, who allowed them in and chatted with them.

Gilberto, between sobs, told Gonzalez: "I don't know exactly what is happening to me. Since yesterday, I have felt the need to come in here. The music, the atmosphere, and the [speaker]'s words urged me to come in. Earlier today, too, that's why we came back... And since we came in, I haven't stopped crying. I didn't believe in God, and although my wife insisted that I seek God for years, I said no. But being here today, God spoke to me … and I know I need him."

Gonzalez confirmed that God was speaking to Gilberto because God loves him and that it was no coincidence that he had been let in. At the end of the conversation, Gilberto recognized Jesus as his Savior. He said that when they returned home, he and his wife would attend church together.

"This is just the beginning of the journey that Gilberto has started with Jesus," Gonzalez said. "When we are one, living in humility, kindness, and mutual help, we give testimony of God's love, and this testimony is used to transform the lives of many people. May it be so Lord, in us, your church!"

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Vanuatu District celebrates national children's day

Nazarene News Staff

Each year, the nation of Vanuatu celebrates National Children’s Day on 24 July. The annual event allows families to spend extra time together to promote the welfare and well-being of children and to support the fight against child abuse.

This year, the Church of the Nazarene in Port Vila, the capitol of Vanuatu, hosted a children’s day program as part of the Sunday school activity at the church. Around 40 children attended the church event.

The district Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) president coordinated the program based on Proverbs 22:6, “Teach a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

The key speaker for the day was Pastor Taku Taso, who encouraged parents to teach their children while they are young, including to trust God for provisions and protections in their lives against abuse and other forms of evil that are prevalent in today’s society. Taso shared that constant reminders from God’s Word and discipleship lessons will make the children of today mighty leaders in the future as well as responsible adults.

The Vanuatu Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) shared the national theme for Children’s Day with all schools, churches, and communities. The theme was, “Our actions and talk can shape the children of Vanuatu in a changing world.”

The church decided to host a program based on that theme for their children, the parents, and the church as a congregation. District Superintendent Gideon Iwaki, the Bible College Principal Peter Issac, and other elders were part of the program.

The theme message, presented along with corresponding scriptures, was one of the highlights of that event, reminding all parents to continue building Christ-centered relationships with their children, shaping them into respectful individuals in their communities and the nation.

The children in the church were delighted, and their joy was obvious.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific

Missions-themed service inspires Argentina Nazarenes

Nazarene News Staff

During July, a missionary service was held under the slogan “The Mission Belongs to All,” at the Iglesia del Nazareno Gracias Señor in the North Patagonia District in Argentina. The purpose was to share that all are called to fulfill the mission where the Lord has placed them: in education, sports, politics, family, commerce, etc.

The church's teens performed a play about a need in the Middle East and how different professions provide open doors to Creative Access Areas. The play challenged the church to lead in reaching people who do not yet know Jesus.

In addition, the children shared that they learned what it means to be a missionary and how they can be part of the mission. They made a “stand” from Israel, Mexico, and Italy and explained each place's culture and needs. They also made flags and dressed in cultural clothing to remind the church that everyone needs to know Jesus.

Pastor Carlos Amaza preached, challenging the church with a strong and clear message related to the Great Commission. District Nazarene Missions International President Fabio Navarro held a time of prayer and intercession for unreached people and the church.

“We ask you, Lord, to awaken a church that is going to be committed to sending, supporting, and praying in the name of Jesus,” Navarro said.

Jorgelina Juárez, who attended the service, said the play impacted her.

“Seeing the need of the world can bring sadness,” Juárez said. “But we don't have to stay with that. The church can do something… and the most beautiful thing is that we can all do something. [Thinking about] missions makes me realize that we are not limited to our city; we can also reach other places.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America

In Memoriam: 23 August 2024

Nazarene News Staff

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 19-23 August 2024.

Don Baker, 80, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away 19 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Missouri, Kansas, Alabama, and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Baker.

Geneva Carte, 66, of White House, Tennessee, passed away 6 August 2024. She was the widow of William Carte, a retired minister who served in Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. William passed away in 2015. She is survived by her second husband, John Coffman.

John Clayton, 89, of Townville, South Carolina, passed away 17 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Natalie Clayton.

Randall Gentry, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away 17 August 2024. He was a minister who served in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Dara Gentry.

Corinda King, 92, Waxahachie, Texas, passed away 18 August 2024. She was the wife of Norwood King Jr, a retired minister who served in Texas.

Jim Rowe III, 73, of Mexia, Texas, passed away 3 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Rowe.

Arthur Salisbury, 92, of Idaho City, Idaho, passed away 15 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Salisbury, who passed away in 2021.

Gerald Street, 85, of Howell, Michigan, passed away 7 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, and Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Street, who passed away in 2023.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Haitian seminary president ordained remotely in Kentucky after six-year wait

Daniel Sperry for Nazarene News

For six years, Pierre Ernst Jacques’ ordination was put on hold due to civil unrest in his home country of Haiti. However, through an unusual set of circumstances — some tragic — Jacques found himself in the United States for a special remote ordination during this year’s Eastern Kentucky District Assembly.

Jacques met the requirements for ordination in 2018 after that year’s assembly, which turned out to be the last time a general superintendent could visit Haiti. He continued to rise within the leadership of the church in Haiti, eventually becoming president of the Nazarene seminary in the country, yet he still had not been ordained.

“I was looking for opportunities, wherever there was an ordination nearby that I could go to and be ordained remotely,” Pierre said.

While on vacation in Canada, an emergency arose, bringing Jacques and his wife, Tayler, to the United States. Tayler was pregnant with twins and tragically lost both of them. Due to the emergency and the couple’s visa statuses, Pierre and Tayler found themselves in Tayler’s home area of Eastern Kentucky for an unknown amount of time.

They found a church to attend regularly and realized that the Eastern Kentucky District Assembly would soon occur. The district had been aware of the Jacques' situation, and Eastern Kentucky District Superintendent Doug Wyatt contacted Pierre to see how the district could help them. Pierre then informed him of the ordination request.

“He told me he would do anything to make [the ordination] happen,” Pierre said.

So the process began. Pierre’s home district in Haiti, the Lower Artibonite District, had to send a report to the Mesoamerica Region confirming Pierre had met the ordination requirements. The region then notified the jurisdictional general superintendent of Haiti, Christian Sarmiento, who coordinated with the Eastern Kentucky District and its jurisdictional general superintendent, Fili Chambo.

Through the efforts of Dr. Chambo, Dr. Sarmiento, and Dr. Saenz, it was made possible for both districts to celebrate an unforgettable ordination," Wyatt said.

On 11 June 2024, after six years of waiting, Pierre was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene, remotely, during the Eastern Kentucky District Assembly. His church family back in Haiti could watch and follow along online.

Wyatt said the occasion opened up the eyes of many on the Eastern Kentucky District.

"The joining of two districts in this remote ordination is a beautiful reminder that the Church of the Nazarene is truly a global church," Wyatt said.

After years of work and the wait that followed, Pierre felt that moment was a privilege and was grateful to have his wife at his side.

“Six years ago, I was not married yet,” Pierre said. “So, it was beautiful that my wife could be with me as I received the ordination.”

The ordination has been a bright spot despite the tragic circumstances that brought them to the Eastern Kentucky District.

“I know God has his purpose because we are his children,” Pierre said. “We don’t know the future, but we know that God can make something beautiful out of ashes. We didn’t know what it would be. But I feel like the ordination might be one of those things.”

Pierre said the Eastern Kentucky District has continued to love and support the couple as they await their return to Haiti.

“I still feel like a part of the district,” Pierre said. “They still consider us as a family. They still ask how we’re doing and invite us to the district activities to see how they can be alongside us in this process, so I think that’s beautiful.”

The heart of a kingdom servant: Miriam's story

Crystal Gibbons for NCM Magazine

In the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, lives Miriam*, a young woman whose journey with the church began at age 7 and has since blossomed into a testament of faith, service, and love for the Kingdom.

Miriam’s connection with the Church of the Nazarene started through a Vacation Bible School (VBS) held at the church. Drawn in by the crafts, the loving atmosphere, and the warmth exuded by the church members, Miriam found more than just a weekly gathering; she discovered a home away from home.

For a decade, Miriam faithfully attended the Kids Club through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ child sponsorship program, cherishing the fun-filled activities and forming lasting bonds with the church community. During this time, the seeds of faith were planted in her heart, leading to a pivotal moment at the age of 13 when Miriam accepted Christ as her Savior. From that moment forward, her life took on a new purpose centered around serving the Kingdom.

As she embraced her faith, she felt a calling to give back to the place that had nurtured her spiritual journey. Now 17, Miriam dedicates her time and energy to helping run the same Kids Club where she first encountered the love of Christ.

This past summer, she took on a leadership role, orchestrating a VBS program that touched the lives of more than 40 children. Miriam’s commitment to service extends beyond the walls of the church. She is currently pursuing a degree in finance at university. She sees her studies as a means to contribute to the community and make a positive impact.

Despite her busy schedule, Miriam remains deeply rooted in her faith, finding strength and purpose in her relationship with God.

“The Nazarene church is my home. It is the place where I discovered the power of faith and found a family of believers who embraced me and supported me every step of the way,” said Miriam.

This loving community has changed Miriam’s life, and she is excited to serve others the way she has been served.

* Children’s names are changed for protection.

This story originally appeared in the latest edition of NCM Magazine. Click here to read the issue.

Five church-type missions opened thanks to disaster relief efforts in Philippines

Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

The term “disaster” can evoke painful thoughts. Still, when approached with an open heart and a willingness to assist those impacted by calamities, it can lead to incredible opportunities for impactful ministry.

When the flood disaster struck parts of the Davao and Agusan regions of the Philippines in February 2024, a Nazarene Disaster Response Team from the Mindanao East District, under the leadership of Sherwin Basmillo, immediately responded. The initiative was made possible through collaboration, financial assistance, prayers, and support from various ministries in the field.

The Disaster Response Team created numerous opportunities to minister and establish Child-Friendly Spaces in the areas that have been given relief goods. Beyond the distribution of relief goods, the NDR team has also traveled to flooded areas to minister to the affected community for months now, especially in Carmen Davao Del Norte and Maco Davao De Oro, where a landslide on 6 February 2024 caused the death of many people.

Because of the collaborative effort of the NDR team and local churches, five church-type missions were opened at the following locations:

Mangangit Maco and Carmen, under the leadership of Tagum City church
Mati, under the leadership of Pastor Marvin Tiberio
Bilawan, under the leadership of Madang
Mati church and Barangay Nanyo, under the leadership of Panabo Church of the Nazarene

“Despite the challenging circumstances, all the efforts and prayers have led to a fruitful ministry,” said Pastor Jaime Eniceo. “We ask for your continued prayers and support for these ministries.”