A few days ago, I read a story that sparked my curiosity for the term Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a compact term in Zulu, a language spoken in South Africa, and when translated, it means "I am, because you are"—like the children in the following story believed:"An anthropologist proposed a game to children in an African tribe.... Continue Reading →
A Brief Advent Outline
By: Scott Armstrong November 28, 2021 (1st Sunday of Advent) Title: The Hope of the World. Meditation: During the global pandemic, anxiety and loneliness are on the rise. The toll that COVID-19 has taken has proven to not just be physical, but mental, emotional, and social as well. Amid such desperation, we proclaim that there... Continue Reading →
Global Week of Prayer: 28 february – 6 march 2021.
From the beginning, Nazarene Missions International (NMI) has been praying for the work of the global church. As a global denomination that ministers in 163 world areas, we strive to be connected and lift each other up in prayer. This desire is not unique to the Church of the Nazarene. A heart for missions and... Continue Reading →
Why Lent?
By: Dr. Eddie Estep February 17, 2021, was Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season called Lent. Ash Wednesday gets its name from the custom, in some Christian denominations, of placing ashes on the forehead as a sign of penitence. The ashes are obtained by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm... Continue Reading →
Why do we Give up Something for Lent?
By: Scott Armstrong The season of Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. In the Christian calendar, Lent is meant to be a time of self-denial and repentance. Many Christians worldwide observe this period by “giving up” or “fasting” something for the 40 days preceding Easter. I have lived and served for many years in Latin... Continue Reading →
A Christmas Prayer
By: Robert Louis Stevenson "Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every... Continue Reading →
Christmas is Messy
By: Rev. Chris Gilmore *This article was originally published at http://www.iamchrisgilmore.com. Just look at the shreds of wrapping paper and the stacks of receipts. Look at the scattered stocking stuffers and the crumbs of quickly consumed cookies. Look at the half-eaten candy cane stuck to the carpet and the Pinterest fails and the exhausted in-laws.... Continue Reading →
The Real Meaning of Christmas: God Entered the Crap
By: Shane Claiborne Shane Claiborne is a best-selling author who writes and speaks around the world about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus. A while ago I read one of Shane’s reflections on Christmas, and the article has stayed with me through the years. The original can be found at Shane’s blog: Red Letter Christians. We... Continue Reading →
40 Days of Prayer
Every year, as a Region, we encourage all congregations to join in 40 Days of Prayer Prior to Pentecost. For that reason, Regional Nazarene Missions International (NMI) has prepared prayer requests for each day, which can be downloaded at the following link: 40 DAYS OF PRAYER PRIOR TO PENTECOST - 2020. These 40 days... Continue Reading →
Sing A New Song
Whenever the Israelites experienced a season where God did something momentous in their midst, they sang a new song. Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His faithful people. (Psalm 149:1) As the people of God on this Resurrection Sunday, we prepare to celebrate the new life that Jesus brings... Continue Reading →