A MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, REV. PHIL RHOADES

​Something New

​Recently a friend of mine went in to the car dealership to have his tires rotated. While there, the manager walked up and asked if he was interested in trading cars. He said, “No, we usually go 4 years before we sell.” The salesman said, “I’ve looked at your previous deal and here is what I can do. If you trade in your car and buy a new one, I will make it so that you only have to pay $5,000 for the new one.” Well, well, that’s a simple decision. That 83,000 miles cost him $5,000. Isn’t that something.

​New cars, new tools, and new appliances are supposed to be better and last longer. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t.

​On the district, we have been challenged to plant and start new ministries, new classes, new small groups, new compassionate ministries, new recovery ministries and new churches.

​Have you started anything new at your church? Are you doing anything different or new at your place of ministry? Don’t get caught thinking new costs too much, because maybe, just maybe, the costs of not starting something is higher than starting that new ministry or that new church. Imagine you, your churchcould change eternity, by doing something new. The costs might surprise you!

Camdenton New Life

Ed & Lori Haselwood, Ken and Rita Bartels, Larry Rice, Julie St Yves

Cherryvale

Charity Elliott, Edward Kelemem, and Allen Payton

Citizens Church - Branson

Dogwood

Frank Pesce, Viviana Pesce, Frank Pesce, Jr., Vincent Pesce, Paul Pesce, Ken Laumann, Christian Laumann

Garnett

Sara Miller

Harvest Community Church of the Nazarene 

Allen Loper, Evelyn Farinha, Robert Wells, Becky

Neodesha

Larry Lever, Tammmie Lever

Neosho Church of the Nazarene

Tim and Tracy Dittmer

Parsons

Justin, Kira, Colton, Kaylee Eberhart

Powell Twin Springs

Steve Chunn, Joyce Chunn

The Well

Marcus O’Neal, Jade Sterk,Brian Leland, Joshua Shamp, Becka Cox, Jesse Cox, Nikkole Morgan, Donald Southard, Eric Turney, Tiffany Turney, Ayla Antill, Carla Renshaw, Nadatha Bailie, Chloe Horn, Emily McReynolds, Hannah Collins, Todd Henry Newb, Joshua Smith, Alexis “Ally” Pruitt, Rita Brock, Carter Brock, Steve Marlin, Tammy Marlin, Nicole Pinion, Bobby Pinion, Courtnee Corn, Trenton Corn and Jennifer Gore

Bradleyville

Jeannie Cummings, Noah Blair, Connor Cantrell, Aubrey

Camdenton New Life

Marie Fecteau, Casey Fecteau, Stevie Douglas

Citizens Church - Branson

Nathan Connell, Jasper Guard

Fort Scott Nazarene

Mason Query and Ricky Brown

Goodman Banner

Jesse Bergen, Teresa Brown, Leslie

Parsons

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PittNaz

Chelsea Dodson

The Well

Jade Sterk, Jesse Cox, Livy Reed, Sean White-Flint, Samuel Wagner, Brandy Feehan, Jacob Smith, Keenon Weaver, Amanda Lutman, Sidney Terrill, Mason Terrill, Alberto Moreno, Eric Turney, Tiffany Turney, Kenny Williams, Justin Wesley, Maura Waterman, Britny Lankford, Shawna Lee, Cameron Strahley, Kaylee Cantrell, Kali Minshall, Paris Charlesworth, Colton Ragsdale, Delaney Foster, Abbie Ray, Noah richardson, Nevaeh richardson, Zoey Richardson, Corbin Jeffries, Bobby Pinion, Nicole Pinion, Danalee Knight, Travis Lasiter, JJ stuartJesse Stuart

Webb City Nazarene

Sage Booth, Savana Booth

HIGHLIGHTS

I am always thrilled when I have the privilege to attend a Recovery Service of any type or at any place.  I am gently reminded that these folks have come through some very difficult times.  They have been to the bottom of the barrel and they have found Jesus patiently waiting for them at their lowest moment.

Their worship is so genuine because they come in with no marks or pretenses.  They love and accept everyone, no matter what clothes you have on or what car you drove up in.  They just open their arms to all.

Thank you to those churches who have created safe spaces for these powerful ministries to flourish – I know it is not easy, I know some will go backward before they go forward.  But so many have a new chance at a new life and have taken full advantage of it!

Maybe your church is not doing a recovery ministry but they could be doing a meal program of some type.  Whether it’s a Convoy of Hope or other programs these kinds of ministries give us a chance to touch lives for Christ.

Leaders, why don’t you consider maybe stretching your hands out to those in need and while you do that you can stretch your faith too!

Let’s be reminded where the Church of the Nazarene was started… in the poorer part of Los Angeles, California where alcohol and drugs were frequent realities.  Let’s remind ourselves that we are called to minister to ‘the least of these’.  Let’s be His hands and feet as we Advance the Gospel to a hurting world!