Compassionate Ministries December 2011 Living Mission: Global Melting Pot "The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.“ Jeremiah 8:20 (NIV)

Global Melting Pot 1. To help people understand that mission—ministry to those in another culture—is a specialized skill requiring not only language school but also special education in the values, behaviors, and traditions of other cultures

While Nazarenes in the state of Manipur, India, celebrated the 100 th anniversary of the arrival the gospel to their community, community members entered the North East India District Center, poured gasoline on the furniture and literature and set the building on fire.

The Church of the Nazarene's North East India District was formed in 2007, and covers seven states, including Manipur, which has a population of more than 2 million.

"They came and forced the watchmen to give the keys and poured petrol on all the furniture and literature in the office and set it on fire," said Sunil Dandge, the India Field strategy coordinator. "It was a very mindless act.” No one was reported injured in the January attack, but approximately $8,500 (U.S.) worth of JESUS Film and other equipment, including a typewriter and a block-making machine, were destroyed.

The group had previously threatened the district leaders so, as a precaution, important documents had been removed earlier and were saved, he added. Fortunately, most of the JESUS Film equipment was being used in the field, thereby avoiding its loss. The church community has strongly condemned the act of the members who did this. Some of those who had silently supported came out boldly against them to condemn their various agendas and acts even before this fire incident.“

According to local custom, the district could not file a police report until it sought redress from the community leaders, who agreed to make the attackers repay the district for its losses and to restrain them from future violence. Originally, the district intended to seek reparations from the community leaders who would in turn hold the attackers responsible. However, district leadership decided against it, as the formal complaint process would require locking up the church until the case was closed.

Young people gather to clean up the fire-ravaged North East India District Center

Nazarenes across the North East India District have come together in great support of the district and its leadership, Dandge reported. Other denominations have also gathered in support, as well as community leaders, who classified this type of action as shameful. People have developed a renewed burden for the Lord and His church," Kim said. "All who truly love God and the church have come forward with donations and contributions in cash and labor. Those churches a further distance have sent their donations. So it is really encouraging to see the work progressing faster than expected.”

The Gospel first arrived in Manipur in the 19th century with Western missionaries, primarily Baptists, according to information on Wikipedia. The Church of the Nazarene first began work in Manipur in Today there are more than 30 churches and 2000 members. Pray: -for the encouragement of believers in the district, -for a recovery of its losses, -that God would work in this situation for His glory, redemption for those who meant the attack for evil.

Discussion Questions 1. We can all think of times in our lives when we’ve been afraid of people or groups different from us and the groups with which we identify. Let’s put ourselves, for a few moments, in the shoes of those who attacked the district center in India. What kinds of might they—and others in similar situations—be experiencing that would bring them to engage in such acts of violence and destruction? 2. The testimony of Nazarenes there is that despite the attack, the church has grown. How can churches help quell and build bridges to those who feel threatened by their presence?

Global Melting Pot 2. Xenophobia—fear of foreigners and strangers—and to engage people with stories of how xenophobia affects mission and what processes are necessary to combat this problem. This a theological issue and a matter of the heart.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

This world is not my home Like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are…“heirs with him of the same promise”…We are…“looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God”…We are…“longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” Hebrews 11:9a, 10, 16a

Homophily vs. Xenophobia: Homophily refers to love of people and things that are very much like oneself. Opposites, it turns out, don’t attract as often or as strongly as similarities do. Evidence for homophily is overwhelming almost anywhere you look. Most neighborhoods are uniform in housing quality, population demographics and other factors, both because similar people choose similar houses and because neighborhood covenants prevent variation.

Homophily is confusing and self-contradictory until you understand that most people believe in and care about themselves and people who are very much like them. This whole issue needs to be seen in the context of scripture. James his short epistle said, “My brothers, as believers in the glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but to the poor man, “You stand there” or “sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:1-4

Jesus’ Invitation Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Discussion Questions: 1.Given the story of God’s people and the testimony of the Bible regarding God’s heart for aliens and strangers, how do you think the church should address situations in which our neighbors, even our enemies, experience injustice because they are foreigners in some way? 2.In what concrete ways can we as Christians show love to these people?

Global Melting Pot 3. To understand that this is not simply an issue for those from the West; there are many examples of Nazarene missionaries from other parts of the world who must also confront this issue

Habari kutoka kwa Mundias (NEWS from the MUNDIAS) John and I were excited to open our home to 30 CCC student leaders for a mentoring session. These student leaders represented 7 universities in Kenya. They are young Christians eager to grow in their faith and connect other students to God. After having a scrumptious lunch, we sat down to talk. They were allowed to ask us any question. And they took full advantage of that opportunity!

It was a special time for us- sharing our personal salvation testimonies, our call to ministry, our journey in the Christian faith- its trials, temptations and trusting God and how God rewards those who put their trust in Him. They were excited to hear stories from the field, and have an insider’s perspective on Life in South Africa. They were especially fascinated with our “love story” – John had them glued to his every word as he shared in a very funny way how he had to trust God from even asking me for a coffee date, to talking to my parents about marrying me to adjusting to me as a wife from a different culture. I’m sure the guys were taking mental notes for future reference! Overall, it was wonderful sharing our experiences. Our students were greatly encouraged.

A Somali student, invited us into his room ready for a debate. He threw every attack on Christianity at us, from the validity of the scriptures, to the deity of Christ to the hypocrisy of Christians. He was angry at how the West wages war against their faith, the West representing Christianity. I believe that God was with us that day- me and Benson, an intern serving with us. We were able to answer not one or two, but all of his questions with sensitivity, wisdom and love. You should have seen him calm down as we continued our discussion! We clarified misinformation he had about Bible events. Benson also shared his personal testimony. The knowledge I had gained while teaching in an Islamic School in Durban many years ago came in very handy. We left knowing that we had him thinking! (1 Cor 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow)

We will be relocating to SA at the end of Excitement is growing and our family in SA is already counting days. We will need much help as the process is long and tedious. Here are some information we have: 1) John will wait at least 2 years to get permanent residency. 2) The process to get Furaha South African citizenship is also a long process now that she holds a Kenyan passport. 3) We are unable to bring our belongings- car and furniture- to SA tax free on my name because I am still a SA citizen. John can bring it in tax free only when he has permanent residence which will take even up to two years. We will keep you informed of our needs in forthcoming newsletters.

Help for Persecuted Christians NCM Projects ACM1832 ncm.org Dangers exist for certain people who choose to follow Christ in the Middle East. Families are physically threatened or ostracized, properties and businesses are destroyed, and people are arrested with mounting legal bills. As more and more people respond to the good news of Christ, there is a need to protect and support them when troubles arise. A gift to this fund will help relocate families, provide small business loans, provide general assistance and pay legal fees for people in the Middle East who are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

ACM1832 Region: Eurasia Location: Middle East Need: $8, Checks can be marked "ACM1832" and mailed to: Global Treasury Services PO Box Kansas City, MO 64184