Africa: Where the Decades Still Whisper by Robert Perry

Finally, I'm making the time to post about the book I shared a section from on Saturday from Ruthie's Bookworm tag. Ever since I was a young teen I’ve been challenged by the work of the Schmelzenbach family in Africa, so this book had special meaning to me. Recently in church we watched a DVD that shared more about this family and their work in Africa. They gave up so much for their love of God and their love of our brothers and sisters in Africa. What an inspiration!

Back of Book Says:

AFRICA. The word conjures up so many images. Tigers. Hot sunshine. Safaris. War. Drought.

Yet we mustn’t forget Africa is home to so much more – including thousands of people in desperate need of a Savior. Down through the decades, the Church of the Nazarene has valiantly taken the gospel to the far reaches of this vast continent. Weathering famine, death, persecution, and war, missionaries and national leaders alike have stayed true to God as He grew our church.

Read about the prayers of those desperate to bring the Church of the Nazarene to their home countries…the joy of a young witch doctor turning to Jesus… the triumph of knowing God’s leader for Africa’s first Nazarene university.

Africa. Over a center of Nazarene work has come and gone. Yet it’s still a place where the decades whisper the glory of God’s name.

If you are interested in reading this book or five others about other parts of the world where the Church of the Nazarene does mission work, contact NPH to purchase the book or a local Nazarene Church where the books can be borrowed free of church. The church also provides six books that are appropriate for children to read.

CALL TO ACTION - Page 89

After reading this book, consider doing one or more of the following:

1. Organize a Work and Witness (short-term missions) team to take on a project in Africa. There is always a need. Contact Nazarene Headquarters (Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa KS, 66220 Phone: 913.577.0500) and ask for the director of Work and Witness. They will provide you with information regarding needs and requirements.

2. Provide books for our Bible college libraries in Africa. For further information, contact Dr. Perry by E-mail at MazSwiSA1@msn.com, or write him at 11807 12th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL, 34212.

3. Pray for the work of our church in creative access areas on the Africa Region. The pressure on Christians and church workers is very great in these countries.

4. Invite a missionary from Africa to speak in your church.

5. Help provide scholarship funds for students at our Bible colleges in Africa. Contact the Nazarene Missions International office in Lenexa, KS for further information.

Bountiful Blessing: Eurasia

My church has a strong emphasis on missions and missions education. Each year members and friends of our church are encouraged to read six missions books. Each of the books are available free of charge at our church to read and return. This book focuses on the missionary work that is done in a large region called Eurasia.


Back of book says:

Welcome to the Eurasia Region, one of the most complex, fascinating, and exciting places to do ministry in the world. Covering 14 times zones, it is home to 6 of the top 10 developed nations as well as hundreds of communities that live far below the poverty line.

It is within this vast region that Christ was born...Paul traveled on his missionary journeys...and Martin Luther began his movement to reform Christianity. The first Bible was also translated and printed for public distribution here.

Yet this rich legacy is often contrasted by the enormous religious and social diversity within Eurasia.

Eurasia: Bountiful Blessing shows you how the Church of the Nazarene is joining the movement of God to again reform and revive His church in this part of the world. Through spiritual nourishment, education, medical services, relief for refugees, and much more, Eurasia Nazarenes are giving hope to thousands in desperate need of the Savior.

Call to Action (page 85)

1. Visit the Eurasia Region's web site at www.eurasianazarene.org to learn more about the exciting things God is doing in this part of the world. While you are there, take a look at the latest prayer requests for the region and spend time lifting them before the Lord in prayer.

2. Suscribe to the Eurasia Region's monthly newsletter Where Worlds Meet by emailing the editor at whereworldsmeet@eurasianazarene.org. Each issue contians greetings from a different field; the latest news on people, events and ministries throughout the region; and information about upcoming events and prayer needs.

3. Pray for Dr. Crocker and the many other leaders and pastors sacross the great region. Pray for God to impart His wisome, guidance, and discernment in every decision they face.

4. Consider volunteering your time in one of the many ministries in the Eurasion Region. For more information, contact the regional office at office@eurasiaregion.org or visit their web site.

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others (about different regions of the world) should be available for you to read. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like to learn more, you may purchase this book from NPH.

Asia-Pacific from the rising of the sun by Brent Cobb

My church has a strong emphasis on missions and missions education. Each year members and friends of our church are encouraged to read six missions books. Each of the books are available free of charge at our church to read and return.

This book focuses on the missionary work that is done in a large region called the Asia-Pacific.

Back of Book says:

Bitter blizzard winds blasted the frozen farmlands. Bundled in layer upon layer of clothes, two women leaned into the biting tempest. A light in the distance offered comfort; they hoped it was their destination.

At midnight they saw the silhouette of a farmhouse and a man standing near the light. They approached, said a word, and he motioned them to enter. Later, 26 more people quietly and secretly arrived. Soon, classes in this “underground seminary” would be underway.

The Asia-Pacific Region extends from Japan’s northernmost island to New Zealand’s southernmost island near Antarctica. It reaches from Myanmar’s shared border with Bangladesh eastward to Tahiti. Throughout this immense region, committed Nazarenes are proclaiming the message of the Son to those living in darkens.

Between the pages of this book lay their stories – stories of victory, hope and courage. As you savor them, may you rejoice again in the faithfulness of our passionate and creative God.

Call to Action (page 91)

After reading this book, please consider doing one or more of the following:

1. Intercede for unreached people on the Asia-Pacific Region, home to over 2 billion men, women, and children. Many have not yet heard the good news of Jesus.

2. Consider an assignment in Japan, Korea, or China as an English teacher. Doors are wide open. It is a tremendous opportunity to influence the lives of future national leaders. Contact dhane@apnaz.org for more info.

3. Support Asia-Pacific schools with your prayers, teaching skills (if you are a qualified teacher), and your giving. For more information, visit these web sites:

www.nazarene.org/education/iboe/asiapacific/display.aspx
www.apnts.org/pages/index.php
www.kornu.ac.kr/kornu/eng/index_eng.html

4. In compassionate response to human need in Southeast Asia, sponsor a child at Thailand’s Maetang Children’s Home or support eh New Life for Thai (AIDS) ministry. For more information, visit http://www.ncm.org/

5. Stay up-to-date on happenings in Melanesia and the South Pacific with these web sites:

www.kudjipnazarenehospital.org
http://www.fijiboat.org/

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others (about different regions of the world) should be available for you to read. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like to learn more, you may purchase this book from NPH.

A Horse, a Trumpet, and a Promise by Aimee Curtis

This is another quick read missionary book that my daughter read yesterday. It is a true story about the life and work of Dr. William A. Eckel, missionary to Japan.

While growing up, William was especially interested in horses and playing his trumpet. At age 12, he felt God had called him to be a missionary to Japan. As a young adult, William married Florence, who also felt called to serve in Japan. God used them to minister to the Japanese in amazing ways!

Back of book says:

"I can't believe it! Maud jumped the fence again!" explained Mr. Eckel.

William smiled and thought to himself, "She can jump any fence in town! There's none better than my Maud." William loved his horse. Maud was special gift from his dad.

To help William learn to read music, Mr. Eckel bought him a trumpet. William could not decide which he liked better, Maud or his shiny, new instrument.

William soon learned he could not keep both.

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others similar to it should be available for your child to read at no cost. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like your child to learn about missions on their level, you may purchase the book from NPH.

Popcorn, Socks and Salvation by Lee and Anne Rudeen

My eight year old daughter read this missionary book yesterday and greatly enjoyed it. I'm so glad my church has a strong emphasis on missions work and that books are written geared to young children. I read the book this morning because I love to read (even children's books) and missions are close to my heart.

This story is based on the childhood experiences of Lee, who was part of the pioneer work in Panama. Lee and his friend, Kevin, traveled with their missionary dads into a remote village to set up a clinic.

Back of book says:

"It's time for my secret weapon," said Dr. Birchard.

"You dad has a secret weapon?" asked Lee.

"Sort of," said Kevin. "I've seen my dad use it before. It works most of the time."

From inside one of their packs, Dr. Birchard pulled out a black pot. He poured some oil and emptied the contents of a cloth sack into the pot. He covered the pot with a lid and set it down on some burning coals.

"Ah," said Dr. Birchard, "it's starting to work already."

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others like it should be available for your child to read at no cost. If you are just interested in missions and want your child to know more about missions you may purchase the book from NPH.

Children's Missions Books

Six new mission books correlate with each year's theme. Three books are written for all readers (grades 1-6), and three for Advanced Readers (grades 4-6).

All-Reader Books (grades 1 through 6) ...

A Monkey Ate My Homework —a story set in Cotonou, Benin
by Matt Price

Three third-culture kids shared a common experience, much like MKs. Born in one culture, they lived in another culture, and became products of both. The three friends attended a British school where their missionary teacher gave them a challenging assignment. For Shin, the assignment became more of a challenge than he expected.

The Jesus Jeepney—a story about evangelism and volunteerism in the Philippines by Wes Eby

When Benjy’s family moved to Manila so his father could teach at the seminary, Benjy learned how the Gospel is shared through creative transportation. Nine-year-old Benjy, an adventuresome boy, had a knack for getting lost. But he became instrumental in helping some “lost” Filipino boys find Christ as their Savior.

The Trail of the Wooden Horse—a story about an unreached people group in Ukraine known as Gypsies by Judi Wiegman

When fire destroyed their cabin, Luda joined a caravan in search of a better life for her children, Anna and Alex. Their journey brought adventure and intrigue when Alex wandered into a village for a JESUS film showing and Anna met Valya, a Nazarene pastor’s daughter.

Advanced Reader Books (grades 4 through 6)

Snowballs and Coconuts—a story based on the life of O. L. King, an early missionary to Antigua by Cheryl Crouch

Oscar thought he had everything he could possibly want until he tasted coconut. He determined someday he would have all he could eat. But his plan to purchase the coconut he spied in a store window was diverted by snowballs and a boy named Ben. Oscar’s obedience to God brought contentment, friendship, and a tasty reward.

The Captain, His Daughter, and Their Discovery—a collection of stories about life on the mission field by Harmon Schmelzenbach and his daughter, Danielle

When the Schmelzenbachs became missionaries, they soon discovered their lives had changed forever. Through Harmon and Danielle’s personal insights and perspectives, learn how they faced the challenges of unfamiliar, unpredictable, and uncontrollable circumstances and made their greatest discovery.

The Case of the Secret Box—a story that gives insight into Japanese culture and the work of a Nazarene tentmaker by Amy Crofford

To help Keiko learn about their Japanese heritage, her mother gave her a special box with a mystery to solve while in Japan visiting her cousin Ai. With Ai’s help, Keiko not only solved the mystery and earned her own special box, but met Jason Lovelace and learned about tentmaker missionaries.

TO ORDER CLICK HERE Or call Nazarene Publishing House 1-800-877-0700 (Toll-free)

Missionary Books

My church has a strong emphasis on world missions. Each year our church publishing house puts out six adult mission books. This years books are:

Adult Missions Books
** Indicates books also recommended for youth

Africa’s Soul Hope: The AIDS crisis and the church **by Ellen Decker

Like a giant tsunami, the AIDS crisis in Africa propels itself forward, wiping out entire communities and destroying everything in its path. What hope is there for those facing this insidious, life-sucking disease? How is the Church of the Nazarene providing soul hope to millions of desperate people? Open this book. Read thoughtfully and prayerfully. A word of caution, however: you will never be the same.

Baboons on the Runway: And Other Humorous **Stories from Africaby Richard F. Zanner

Do missionaries ever have fun? According to this author, the answer is a resounding yes! Join former regional director Richard F. Zanner on a journey into the world of hilarious encounters and unlikely escapades lived out among his Nazarene colleagues in Africa. From being chased up a tree by a rhino to experiencing a “resurrection” in a morgue, you can be sure it’s an adventure you aren’t likely to forget!

A Love Story from Trinidad by Ruth O. Saxon

How do you fall in love with a village? A village with a bad reputation? Only God could have created the love story between missionary Ruth Saxon and Chanka Trace, Trinidad. An unlikely courtship, to say the least, it has stood the test of time and resulted in newfound hope and healing. Open your heart to this moving tale of joy and sorrow, healing and heartache, hope and disappointment. And let this stir anew your own love for the Savior and His precious lost children.

Meeting Jesus **by Keith Schwanz

Witchcraft. Gangs. Demon possession. These are but snippets of the opposition faced by JESUS film team members as they share the good news of Christ around theworld. At the risk of their own lives, these brave individuals seek to reap a harvest of lost souls . . . people who matter deeply to God. Written in the style of the Gospel of Luke, Meeting Jesus propels you into a world where good conquers evil and lives are transformed for eternity.

The Nudge in My Side: Stories from Indonesia and the Philippines by the Bob McCroskeys

This father/son missionary duo has teamed up to share life-changing stories from the far reaches of Asia. In Indonesia and the Philippines, where life is often simple and isolated, God has moved in astounding ways to call men and women to himself. Open the pages of this book. Savor the truths of these tantalizing stories. And be prepared to never see the world in the same way again.

They Saw Only Feet: More Life Lessons fromMissionary Kids by Dean Nelson

The call of a missionary often means sacrifice and surrender. Nobody knows that better than their children. Yet as the missionary kids in this book will tell you, God is faithful to care for His own. Between these pages you’ll meet men and women whose life experiences on the field changed them forever. Listen to their hearts, and let your own faith be strengthened as you do.

Click here to see the book covers and more info.