Are YOU Called?

From Nazarene Missions International - Global Center

Every Tuesday we highlight people who have calls to missions on their lives. This week, though, we would like to highlight what YOU can do if you have a call, or are exploring a potential call to missions! Take a few minutes to check out our Opportunities page (https://opportunities.nazarene.org), to see what opportunities are available around the world. If you see one that looks interesting, or would fit your skill-set, click the “Get Started” button for that position! We would love to help you explore your call further!

Anna Kindle - Missionary

Papua New Guinea

My name is Anna Kindle. In April of this year, I was approved as a new missionary in the Church of the Nazarene. Next summer, I will be headed to Papua New Guinea to teach at the MK school on the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital station. 

My parents moved back to this district early in 1995 after previously living and pastoring on this district. My mother also grew up on the district. My parents have pastored at several churches on the district including Cuba, Stateline Community (now the River Chapel), Kewanee Grace and were on staff at Princeton New Hope. I now attend Dixon Living Well.     

Growing up I was involved in many district activities. I went to camps, Celebrate Life, Bible Quizzing and other youth events. I have served on the District NYI and NMI councils.

My parents have always been very mission minded. If there was a missionary on our district, we always went to hear them speak even if they were not at our church, sometimes multiple times. Being the District NMI president, my mom often had to host missionaries for meals or overnight. During these times, I had many conversations with missionaries from all over. I always knew that missions would be in my life, but I always thought that it would be more of a support role.

That changed the summer of 2016. I was about to graduate from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in history. The plan for as long as I could remember had always been to work for the National Park Service and 2016 was going to be their 100th birthday, what a perfect time to start working there. But right before I graduated, I was in a car accident. That accident brought all my plans to a stop. We weren’t sure how long recovery would take or even if I would recover all the way. The National Parks would have to wait. 

During that time of pain and healing, I started to feel my heart being pulled in another direction. I thought, there is no way what I think is happening is actually happening. I am NOT missionary material and tried to ignore it but the pull kept getting stronger and stronger, I started talking about the idea with other people and to my surprise while I thought I was not made to be a missionary, no one else was surprised by this possible call in my life. I started to get more and more unsettled, not ready to give up on my dream of being a park ranger until I finally said yes. Once I said yes, I felt different. I never understood what real peace felt like until that moment and I knew that I was supposed to be a missionary.

I don't know how long I will stay in Papua New Guinea, but I know that in this season of life this is what I am supposed to do. I need to raise a little over $20,000 for God’s adventure, so I need to rely on you and your church for support. God has been present in many ways all throughout my life and I would love to come share more about it at your church! 

How you can Support Anna

-Pray

-Invite her to speak at your church 

email: [email protected]

-Donate on the district website 

 (tab "GIVE" click "Missionary Anna Kindle"or click ANNA

-Text "NWIL Anna" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.

Anna's Epic Adventure

Alabaster

Alabaster is one of NMI’s Five Areas of Impact. Alabaster offerings are used across the six world regions to help fund projects that make it possible for people to have places to worship, heal, and learn. 100% of Alabaster funds received are used for Alabaster projects, and this is possible because the World Evangelism Fund covers the administrative expenses of Alabaster. All Nazarene churches around the world are encouraged to receive an Alabaster offering each year. Thank you for your generous support of Alabaster!

If you participate in an Alabaster offering, send a photo of your Alabaster container and church name to [email protected].

Cambodia District

The Cambodia District is one of the fastest growing districts on the Asia-Pacific Region, partly because their pastors make disciples who make disciples. There was a great need for central offices from which the church could operate and grow. Additionally, offices were also made a requirement by the government if the Church wanted to continue to operate in the country. The Church of the Nazarene had to comply to this request by February 2022 if there was any hope of renewing the registration. 

Alabaster funds were requested and approved in July 2021 to supply $140,000 to purchase a property 2 km (1.2 miles) from the international airport in Phnom Penh. This is near a new superhighway being constructed in a growing area. Phnom Penh is the most centrally located city in Cambodia and the location of all government operations which made it a key strategic location. This property also allows the Church to dedicate more of its limited resources to ministry instead of continuing to pour dollars into the rental of facilities year after year.

The zone leaders have contact with the churches in their area; however, most churches are isolated during the whole year and there were only able to see each other at district assembly. The new District Center allows for churches and their leaders to gather quarterly for training, encouragement, fellowship, and much more! The leaders of the church in Cambodia have long desired and needed the stability of a permanent office in Phnom Penh. Alabaster gifts made it possible to meet the need of the growing church in Cambodia in just the right moment! The image below shows a room that was recently organized to be used as a meeting place for church services on Sunday.

Zone Gathering

Blackhawk & Lincoln Hwy Zones

ALLIES ZONE GATHERINGS! You may attend if you are not on either the Blackhawk or Lincoln Highway zones, or one of the other 3 zone events we are still working on dates for. We would love to have you.

Just so you are aware we have divided the nine NWIL zones into 4 gathering opportunities for NYI-ALLIES, with most being within a 50-mile church radius.

Full details for all Zone Gatherings coming soon!

09/24/22 - Blackhawk and Lincoln Highway

Location: Sterling First

11/04/22 - Quad Cities, Galesburg and Southwest

Location: Rock Island First

Fox and Lincoln Highway - TBD

12/02/22-12/03/22 - Bloomington, Peoria/Pekin and Spoon River

Location: Point of Change

Again, you and your youth are welcome to attend any/all of the gatherings. We are just trying to meet the needs of all of our churches by localizing them and keeping the cost as low as possible.

IF ATTENDING:

Please call and or email NYI president Ronda Hollars or the local contact person Dalen Bradshaw.

We look forward to hanging out with you! Full details: ALLIES ZG

District NYI President: Rev. Ronda Hollars

[email protected]

815-878-4719

Local Contact Person

Dalen Bradshaw

[email protected]

NYC 2023

Click below for registration & information

REGISTRATION

Click for full details: NYC2023

MAIL PAYMENTS TO:

NWIL District

Attn: NYC 2023

4224 N. Brandywine Dr.

Suite 300

Peoria, IL 61614

Checks payable to: NWIL-NYI

NYC Donations

Friendly Reminder: If you received an NYC donation envelope at Team Day, please mail the envelope and donation to the following address.

NWIL District

Attn: NYC 2023

4224 N. Brandywine Dr.

Suite 300

Peoria, IL 61614

Children's Ministry Workers 

If you're on Facebook, check out NWIL Children's Ministry and request to join! We will be sharing children's ministry ideas, curriculum ideas, VBS, online meetings, bouncing ideas off one another and encouraging each other as we all seek to point kids toward Christ. 

The Church of the Nazarene provides us with many resources to help our Children's Ministry be the best that it can be. Click below to find resources. USA/CANADA CHILDREN'S MINISTRY      

GLOBAL CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

DISTRICT EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Convention - March 25, 2023 - Sterling First

District Assembly - April 28-29, 2023 - Pekin First

Team Day - August 5, 2023

North Pekin - Tent Revival

Theme: God with Us!!

September 14-17

6:00pm-8:00pm

Location:

North Pekin Church of the Nazarene

126 S. Main St.

North Pekin, IL 

Plenty of Parking available

Bloomington First

Worship Director, Brooke Barrick

We are very excited to introduce you to the new Worship Director at Bloomington First!

"Hello! My name is Brooke Barrick and I am thrilled to be joining the Bloomington First team! I am a recent Olivet graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry. My passion and calling to lead worship has led me to where I am today and I truly believe God has great plans for Bloomington First. I am, without a doubt, a people person and have a heart for serving others in just about any way that I can. Deep and meaningful relationships are my strong-suit as I believe that we are meant to be in community with one another. God is so good, He always provides, and I know He is moving. Thank you for welcoming me into your church and community!" Brooke's first Sunday is September 11.

Eureka Grace

Installation, Rev. Shawn Link

September 4th, Rev. Shawn Link was officially installed as our pastor. He was joined by his wonderful family Cauriana and Shawn Micah. We were extremely blessed to have our District Superintendent Rev. Lloyd Brock and his wonderful wife Rev. Kim Brock with us.

Freeport First

Lead Pastor, Rev. Rachel Smith

Rachel was called into ministry at the age of seventeen. She graduated from Nazarene Bible College. In 2007 she was ordained as an Elder in The Nazarene Church. Over the years she served as Children’s pastor at Tulare Wayside Nazarene, Lead Pastor at Fresno Trinity, and Lindsay Nazarene. Rachel served on the District Advisory Board and taught ministerial course of study classes for Central California District. Rachel has been a speaker for Kids Camp, Woman’s Retreats and Family Camp. 

She met her husband Chris Smith as a teenager at church camp. They have been married for almost 36 years. They have three grown sons, three daughters in laws and four grandchildren and one waiting for them in heaven. 

Rachel & Chris are very passionate about community outreach and discipleship. They are excited to be on NWIL district and look forward to what God has in store for them at Freeport.

Rockford First

Lead Pastor, Zach Simmonds

Zach grew up on the NWIL district. Growing up he attended Rockford First and The River Chapel. He graduated from Olivet in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministry. He served as the Youth Pastor and Outreach Pastor at The River Chapel for 3 years after graduating from Olivet. Zach has been serving at Rockford First as the interim pastor since June of this year. On September 4th, he was appointed as lead pastor.

EDUCATION WITH A CHRISTIAN PURPOSE

With more than 140 areas of study, 3500 enrolled students, and a stunning campus, Olivet Nazarene University stands tall as one of the nation’s premier hubs of learning and faith. Our nationally recognized academic programs, title-winning athletics, vibrant, energized social climate and countless ministry opportunities make this place unique. Olivet seamlessly integrates passion and calling with career preparedness. VIEW ALL AREAS OF STUDY | EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS  

Purple & Gold Days

An Olivet tradition, Purple & Gold Days are unique, customized group visit days, designed specifically for high school seniors, and their parents. There’s so much to see and do! Customized faculty and student visits, campus tours and class visits, lunch together – there’s no better way to check out Olivet.

Click for full details and registration P&G DAYS

PRIME TIME

& GRANDPARENTS DAY

Thursday, October 6

Bring your friends!

Register today at Olivet.edu/PTD

The dates for Homecoming 2022 are October 28-30. Please stay tuned for more information about ordering your tickets!

Homecoming is a special time for friends of the University to gather on Olivet’s campus. With activities planned for all ages and interests, Olivet celebrates accomplishments and heritage during a three-day schedule of events. 

“Olivet loves tradition, and Homecoming & Family Weekend activities are one of the best ways for us to celebrate,” said Erinn Proehl, Director of Alumni and University Relations. “We invite everyone — students, their parents and siblings, faculty, staff, friends and our community — and all age groups to join us. Celebrating with all of you adds so much to this special time on our campus.”

Click for full details: ONU Homecoming 2022

Gaither Vocal Band

SOMETHING GOOD IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN TOUR 2022

6:00PM Centennial Chapel Tickets Share   

 Olivet Nazarene University follows the guidelines of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Vaccines are not required for entry. Masks are optional.

Organized by Shine.fm and hosted by Olivet. For more information contact Shine.fm at 815-939-5330.

In just under one year, Nazarenes from around the world will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, for the 30thGeneral Assembly and Conventions. 

“It is a great time to come together as a family to worship and celebrate that Jesus is Lord,” General Superintendent Carla Sunberg said. 

This will be the seventh time Indianapolis has hosted General Assembly, most recently in 2017. Additional visits to the Hoosier State occurred in 2013, 2005, 2001, 1993, and 1989. 

The theme of this year’s General Assembly is “Jesus is Lord,” which will be woven into the five corporate worship services and the quadrennial address during the assembly. The Board of General Superintendents will examine how the theme influences all facets of the Church of the Nazarene’s mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

The speakers and service schedule are as follows:

• June 9th - Friday PM: Missions - Eugenio Duarte
• June 10th- Saturday PM: Discipleship – Gustavo Crocker
• June 11th – Sunday AM: Worship – David Graves
• June 11th – Sunday PM: Evangelism – David Busic
• June 12th – Monday AM: Quadrennial Address – Carla Sunberg
• June 12th – Monday PM: Compassion – Fili Chambo

For more information on the 30th General Assembly and Conventions, click here. 

Give a GIFT that doesn't stop Giving!

Would you give $1.00 a month if it never stopped giving, never wore out, never changed its usefulness or purpose and transformed lives?

The Church Multiplication Endowment Fund is designed to reach unreached people living on the NWIL District for Christ. Every dollar given will continue to give in perpetuity. An endowment fund uses the interest from the principle to do kingdom work.  Will you help fund this goal? 

Currently, our district property funds have been invested in planting 22 new churches these past three years and the district is in need of capital to continue to plant more! We need your help. Presently, there are 36 more potential church plants in various stages of planning which will require additional funding support.

Would you consider a GIFT of $1.00 a month?  We are not trying to take money from your local ministry where you give your tithes and offerings. We are asking for many to give a little.  Our initial goal is 5,000 giving at least $1.00 a month. Would you be one of those 5,000 making a commitment to create a movement to plant churches that change lives?  Here are ways to give:

• You can give to your local church by marking your check or cash gift "NWIL CM Endowment" and your church treasurer will take it from there.
• You can also choose to give online if you want to set up one time or reoccurring payments using debit/credit/Electronic Check on the district website at nwilnaz.org/GIVE/ On District Church Planting or direct  CM Endowment Giving LINK. Or scan this QR code at the bottom of this article.
• You can send a check or cash to NWIL District, 3520 Broadway St., Pekin, IL 61554 (please indicate CM Endowment on check memo)

We are also looking for those who might like to make greater kingdom investments!

You can give cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, livestock, grain, or other personal property.  Basically, any asset of marketable value can be used to help fund this endowment. There are also charitable gift annuity options that allow you to specify the endowment fund or another ministry of your choice while allowing you to receive income for your lifetime and when you pass, your gift goes to the endowment fund or specified ministry. CLICK HERE  to see other ways to model generosity. Gifts can be given in memory or in honor of someone. 

Large or small: Why not leave a lasting legacy that lasts more than your lifetime. 

For more information or confidential consultation please contact NWIL District Administrator, Jim Book 309-678-2357; NWIL District Treasurer, Ray Barker 309-645-7716; or the Nazarene Foundation directly at 913-577-2983.