A global mission defines the Church of the Nazarene. It aims to make Christ-like disciples. Here at the Church of the Nazarene in Manila, we see that mission in action.
The Church of the Nazarene emerged from Methodism. It also came from the 19th-century Holiness Movement. This happened in North America. The name reflects a desire to emulate Jesus. It shows a desire to work with the poor.
The Church of the Nazarene supports education. It does this alongside evangelism. Compassion is also key. Working for justice matters. Bearing witness to God’s kingdom is vital. All are essential to making disciples.
Officially, the Church of the Nazarene started in the Philippines in 1946. The Philippines now has a population of 110 million. In 2021, the Church of the Nazarene Philippines had 401 churches. They also had 26000 members.
2021 marked the 75th anniversary. It was the jubilee of the Church of the Nazarene in Cabanatuan. This was the first established church in the Philippines. The celebration happened during the pandemic. God favored the church. They celebrated His faithfulness and grace. People remembered their forefathers. They felt grateful for their dedication to God’s work. Their commitment led to this moment. They looked forward to God’s plans.
The field theme is “Rise Up and Go”. It addresses the needs of every district and pastor. The Field enhances preaching skills for pastors. It also trains them to plant churches. Financial assistance is offered. A preaching academy took place. Rev. Hyo Kyung Kim connected them with a Korean pastor. Dynamic Church Planting training occurred. Rev. Oni Plantilla led it. He ministers in the USA. The Jesus Film ministry started in the Philippines. It helps reach the lost. The Chaplaincy Ministry provides moral and spiritual support. It trains military personnel.
Even during the pandemic, the church reached the lost. It established churches. Twenty-two churches were organized. Many churches suffered losses due to Covid-19. Yet, they praised God. He moved powerfully among them.
Typhoon Odette troubled Visayas and Mindanao in 2021. Many churches and people suffered. Churches and houses were damaged. Central Visayas lacked water and electricity for over a month. The NCM mobilized churches. They responded to the needs of affected churches. They helped communities. Churches and individuals supported their brethren financially. FSC Rev. Arnel Piliin and his wife visited the area. They gave moral support and encouragement. They provided food for the body and soul.
Micronesia is also part of their ministry. The first district assembly for Micronesia happened in 1996. Before that, Micronesia was part of the Hawaii Pacific District.
Guam Church of the Nazarene was the first church. It was organized in 1971. Currently, Micronesia District has four churches. They are in Chuuk, Guam, Pohnpei, and Saipan. In 2021, there were 156 members.
Chuuk reaches other islands with evangelism. Guam has emerging youth leaders. They lead worship and Bible studies. Pohnpei focuses on church development. It helps local leaders grow. A family is returning to Saipan to minister. Another family will overlap for a year before retirement in 2023.
The Lord has amazing plans for the Philippines and Micronesia. They rejoice in what He has done. They anticipate more of His works. Glory goes to God alone.
As you leave the Church of the Nazarene, remember its global impact. It strives to make Christ-like disciples.