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New Regional Director for Asia from Africa!
Written by: Linda Braaten
The Board of General Superintendents, in consultation with the Global Mission Director, Verne Ward III, elected Rev. Mark Louw to serve as Asia-Pacific Regional Director effective 1 September 2012.
"Going to the Asia-Pacific Region never even crossed our minds," stated Louw, who was elected 13 August 2012 by majority vote of the General Board. "I am excited... of course, we have mixed emotions about leaving Africa. Africa is what we know and love."
Africa Regional Director, Dr. Filimao Chambo commented, "Although we hate to lose Mark and his family from the Africa Region, it is an exciting and proud day for Africa to have other world areas look to Africa to fill a leadership position." 
Mark and his wife, Linda, were appointed as global missionaries in the Church of the Nazarene in 1999 and were assigned to Côte d'Ivoire in the Africa West Field, where Mark served as Ministries Coordinator for Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. When civil unrest broke out in October 2002, the local missionary families were evacuated, including the Louw family. The Louws were temporarily moved to Nairobi, Kenya only to return to Abidjan in August 2003. In 2004, Louw was appointed as assistant to Africa West Field (AWF) Strategy Coordinator, Dr. Eugenio Darte, and named Field Strategy Coordinator for Africa West Field in November 2005. With continued civil unrest in that country, the decision was made to move the field office to Dakar, Senegal to better facilitate organization of the 18 countries encompassed by AWF. In November 2009, Louw was appointed Regional Education Coordinator (REC). As REC, Louw formed the African Theological Think Tank, a group of Nazarene African theologians working in collaboration to develop African responses to contextual African issues facing the church. His passion for clergy development lead to organized training seminars for new and existing District Superintendents across the Africa Region.
In announcing his appointment as Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Dr. Ward commented, "Rev. Mark Louw brings to Asia-Pacific a heart for those people that have not yet trusted in Christ, and a strategic mind that is passionate for discipleship that results in Christlikeness... Mark and Linda have character and talent that will serve the Asia-Pacific Region very well."
Louw stated, "Thirteen years of stimulating service on the Africa West Field has taught me that God works together all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. These 13 years have allowed me to see [God's] hand at work in the raising up, formation, and development of a team of West African leaders that have accomplished incredible things for Him despite often insurmountable adversity. It is with this confidence that I gladly accept the assignment and challenge of regional director of the Asia-Pacific Region." Prior to their missionary assignment, the couple served as youth pastors at Chico First Church of the Nazarene (1992-1994) and as senior pastor at Gridley Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene (1994-1999), in California, USA. Louw is a graduate of Nazarene Bible College, Sacramento Extension, and earned his BA from Pennsylvania State University. He was awarded the Masters in Theology through Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, UK. He is a graduate of the South African Army College and South Africa Military Academy, with B. Military Science (1985) and MA Command and Control(1989). He served as a member of the South African Defense Force responsible for training and monitoring, and seconded as writer, translator and instructor of numerous courses at various leadership levels in the Namibian National Defense Force. Louw was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1997. Linda is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University and is also a credentialed teacher in California. Mark and Linda have four daughters: Kathryn Frances, Kristin Elizabeth, Johanna Caroline and Alexandra Helene. |
| Africa West Field Headed by New Leadership
Written By: Dr. Filimao Chambo
After much prayer and consultation with Africa and Global church leaders, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Daniel Gomis as Field Strategy Coordinator for the Africa WEst Field effective September 1, 2012. Gomis replaces Rev. Mark Louw.
Dany Gomis grew up in a religiously pluralistic household in Senegal in West Africa. In his personal search for the truth, he found Christ and accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1995. Since then, he has never looked back. Gomis was mentored by Randy and Judy Owens, former missionaries to Senegal, and continued to grow in wisdom and faith. He first started attending the Church of the Nazarene in 1996. His proficiency in both French and English soon saw him employed by the Africa Region in the capacity of Francophone Literature Coordinator in July 2002, a position he continues to hold. In 2003, Gomis became a lay pastor in Dakar, Senegal. He served as an interpreter at the Africa Regional Conference and Africa Nazarene Theological Conference in 2003, at the General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene in 2005 and 2009, as well as at field meetings. Gomis has also been actively engaged in education and mentoring to develop leaders on the Africa West Field through facilitating conferences on stewardship and for evangelical youth leaders as well as workshops for writers. In 2011 Gomis was appointed as Africa West Field Education Coordinator, and also invited to be a member of the African Theological Think Tank, a group of Nazarene African theologians working in collaboration to develop African responses to contextual African issues facing the the church today, which are in need of a Wesleyan and Biblical response. He is also a member of the African Nazarene University Board of Trustees.
Rev. Gomis pastors the Baobab Church of the Nazarene in Dakar. He is highly respected within the evangelical community of Senegal. He is viewed by many as an expert on Islam and brings a unique worldview to the table of theological debate. His father was a famous journalist in Senegal, from an early age instilling within Dany an enquiring mind which would only be satisfied by the truth. The influence of this upbringing has allowed Dany to easily understand and bridge both Western and African world-views.
Rev. Gomis was awarded a Masters of Divinity from the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO, USA in 2011, and holds a Masters Certificate in African Studies (1995), License in Mafor African Literature and Civilization (1993), a Diplôme d'Etudes Universitaires Générales (DEUG) from Université Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Senegal, with a major in English (1992), and a Teaching Certificate in Wolof (1996).
Gomis brings to the office of Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator a good understanding of the field structure and strategy as well as a strong spiritual component that will serve him and the West Field well through the next phase of development. Highly respected by missionaries and national leaders alike, Dany Gomis is a man after God's heart with all the gifting and talents necessary to succeed in this assignment. Dany is married to Anelie Gomis and is the father of four daughters; Raissa, Maiva, Sarah and Tabitha.
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Julien's New Church
Written By: Rachelle Miller
Julien is one of our "main guys" here in Madagascar. He and his sister, Juliette, are both extremely dedicated members of our evangelism team and have a real heart and passion for evangelism. Juliette has a special gift for approaching complete strangers with boldness and confidence and speaking to them about Jesus Christ.
Julien has been wanting to start a church in his immediate community for some time. he lives in an area that is densely populated and he had identified that it would be a viable place for a church. He and his family had attended the Tana First Church of the Nazarene for several years, he played guitar in the worship even, but he felt that it was time to start something new.
On Sunday, 19 August, Ronald, the kids and I went to visit Julien's brand-new church. He used a tiny patch of ground next to his home to build a small structure. It has a board floor the heel of my shoe got caught in several times and 3 make-shift benches. It has no roof and the "walls" are covered with what looks like some sort of off-cut from an old printing press. There was even a box that was labeled US AID.
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Looking from the back to the front of Julien's church.
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As you sit in
a set-up like this, I was really struck with the contrasts between Westerner views and the views here. They took up an offering and if there was a single $1 USD they were lucky. I sat there, as the curtain door blew in the breeze and the spitting rain landed on my head thinking about how on this day in a Western church, there will be sound equipment, audio/visual presentations, musical instruments, perhaps a bulletin, maybe a plea from the pastor for a larger building or repairs to a roof or new carpet in the sanctuary, which the church board will most likely then argue about the color of said proposed carpet. But here, on this cold, overcast day in Madagascar, I had the joy of sitting in a church where things were... pure. There was no sound system, not a single musical instrument and only about 10 people sitting on these rough-hewn benches singing songs in Malagasy about Him being the "King of Kings." Julien, the young pastor and former street kid, got up with just his Bible and preached a message, no flashing lights, downloaded YouTube video or skit. Just simply, the Word of God.  Pastor Julien has a rough row to hoe. He's starting a church from the ground up, literally and figuratively. He has limited education (he will be taking a test to be awarded his high school diploma in the coming year), limited human resources, limited financial resources and all in the face of a community that needs Jesus. He has a challenge ahead of him, but he is confident in Jesus Christ. Please pray as Julien and his sister, Juliette, attempt to make a difference right where they live.
As always, keep Madagascar in your prayers. We are hoping for more church plants, just like this one, and more young pastors and young people to step-up to make a difference right where they live. And, I pray that you too can make a difference in the place where you live. |
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Growth and Development in Uganda CDC
Written by: Erin Clancy
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Trees were planted on the Bonda Nduswe property to symbolize growth and to give shade for future children to the Center.
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"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Everything in the life of a Christian hinges on whether or not we are willing to allow God to be who God is. In the plan of retirement, Peter and Grace Okino did not foresee the plan God had laid out for them as they made their home in Ugenya. This willing couple established a Nazarene child development center titled Bondo Nduswe Nazarene Center to provide free education to those in need. MidAmerica Nazarene University students traveled to the school to provide aid in anyway needed and to be the hands and feet of Christ. The Work and Witness team of college students was challenged in ways they've never before encountered. They experienced carrying jugs of water on their heads for delivery to the
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College students worked with locals to lay bricks for the CDC.
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worksite, as well as carrying and laying bricks. In the afternoons children were the focus as each little one was taught Bible lessons, as well as fun songs that glory Jesus Christ. On their last day together, the MNU team paired up with teachers and
council members from Bondo Nduswe Center and planted trees. They did this to represent the new life and growth of the school as well as a marking of the relationships that were formed. Through time being spent together, each person learned culture differences, yet were linked through the promises and hope that is brought to all of us through Christ Jesus.
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Mission Immersion Gets Personal
Written By: Sarah Villafane
*For two weeks, 42 youth aged 16-19 participated in a "Mission Immersion" campaign in Nairobi, Kenya. Sarah is one of those students and this is her experience.
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Author, Point Loma Nazarene University freshman Sarah Villafane with kids in Nairobi, Kenya.
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It felt like every time we would go to a primary school, some location around Nairobi, a Child Development Center, or any other place, I was always blessed by the kiddos. We brought nothing with us except ourselves and maybe a few cameras. We didn't bring them fresh water, crayons, pencils, food or anything tangible. Instead, we brought hugs, laughter, smiles, a desire to learn Swahili, and most of all, our presence. These things I so quickly take for granted. I'm always looking for what I can touch and what I can take for myself or give to someone else.
The children didn't need that. To us, it looked as if they really were in need- by the looks of their shoes, clothing, learning environment, and the rest, but all they really needed and loved the most was when someone would pick them up and hold them. Every time I would hold a child, they would pet my arm hair or touch my eye brows. They loved to braid hair. They loved to blow kisses at you. They loved when we would serve THEM food such as ugali and greens. The simple act of sitting with them in their classroom was such a blessing. It reminded me that "Sarah, slow down, be patient, life is about the small things." Sometimes, the simplest things turned out to be the most significant. |
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Prayer & Praise
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-For the family of Rev. Changa Museya on his passing. Rev. Changa pastored the Chamoli Church of the Nazarene in Kitwe, Zambia and has not been well since a stroke and bought of malaria. -For the family of three year-old Maureen Mkandawire on her passing. Maureen had a severe asthma attack and could not be resuscitated. Her father, Alex Mkandawire is the Country Coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Malawi. -Makenzie Anderson, missionary kid living in South Africa, who has been diagnosed with peribronchial edema caused by an upper respiratory infection. Pray that the antibiotics work and her breathing improves. -Rev. Michael Porthen who had a severe stroke in March, passed away on August 24. Pray for his wife, Mary and the family in their time of loss. -For Ethiopia during this time of mourning for the loss of their longtime Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. Zenawi was highly influential to the Horn of Africa politics and played a key role in many peace agreements in the region. Pray also for God's wisdom and patience during this time of power transition. -Those affected by the flooding in Niger. |
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