November Updates from the Ackermans

In October, We spent a week and a half in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, Unleash the Power. You can read more about this conference at https://asiapacificnazarene.org/asia-pacific-region-gathers-in-chaing-mai-thailand-for-unleash-2019/. Over 475 people from all over the region made their way to the resort. It was an awesome time of spiritual encouragement and challenge, with different workshops, guest speakers, and opportunity to talk with old and new friends. David was surprised to realize that he has had students in almost every country on the region. He saw many of them at the conference, stretching back over the past 21 years of engagement in theological education on the Asia-Pacific Region. Rhonda was in charge of overseeing Emergency First Aid for the conference and spent a lot of her time in making sure that ran smoothly and people in need received help. Shan spent her time walking around and seeing old friends and making many new friends. David was involved in a workshop on theological education with Dr. Bruce Allder, Regional Education Coordinator. He and Dr. Allder wrote a book together called The Emmaus Model, which talks about a new model for ministry training. Every attender got a free copy of the book, a good way for distribution. It won't make the Amazon top 100 but hopefully it will help people be more effective in education and discipleship training.

Philippine Visit

After the conference, David and Shan spent some time in the Philippines, with Shan leaving with Rhonda for Guam on Oct. 31, and David staying until Nov. 10. During that time, David helped orient the new missionaries, Marcio and Amber Abasta, (what are the other meetings?) have some other meetings. He spent a week at Philippine Nazarene College, during which he taught a two-day workshop on the Emmaus Model, and then a Board of Trustees meeting (see the next item).

New President for Philippines Nazarene College

On November 7, Rev. Allan Prado was elected as the 12th president of Philippine Nazarene College located in La Trinidad, Benguet, the Philippines. Rev. Prado has been serving as the Officer in Charge at PNC for the past three years. David has been working closely with Pastor Allan for the past three years and is excited to watch his ministry expand in an official way at PNC.

Asia-Pacific Region Missionary Retreat

Immediately following the Unleash the Power Conference, we were able to attend a Member Care Retreat for the Nazarene missionaries on our region. We are thankful for this opportunity and that the Church of the Nazarene believes in holistically caring for our missionaries. This member care retreat provided opportunities to connect with fellow missionaries, explore pain and suffering and how it affects our lives and how we can with God’s help overcome and thrive in this life, attend counseling and coaching, laugh and cry, worship our Lord God and Savior together, grow in Him together, pray with one another, tool up through various workshops, have tea on the mountain top café, rest, and a whole lot more. We are appreciative of the opportunity to attend The Unleash the Power Conference, regional missionary retreat, 2-day Strength Finder’s Coaching training immediately following the retreat, and the 2-day Coalition for Families, Youth, and Children following the Strength Finder’s training. Many people have given to our deputation. It is through your giving that we were able to take part in this conference and member care retreat, and Rhonda was able to attend the Strengths training and Coalition for Families meeting. Thank you so much for supporting us through your prayers and gifts.

Rhonda Updates

It has been a priority for the Church of the Nazarene to ensure that their missionaries know their top 5 strengths through the Clifton Strength Finders. Through a partnership with Clifton Strength Finders, the Church of the Nazarene is able to use their material and train people in our churches to become coaches. Rhonda was able to be trained in 1:1 coaching for people desiring to know and understand their strengths and other’s strengths. Please pray with us to see how God desires to use this training with fellow missionaries and people on our field and region.

Following the Strength Finder’s training, Rhonda had the honor to attend with fellow collegue, Jazz Eugenio, a newly formed coalition, Coalition for Family, Youth, and Children. This coalition consists of leaders from multiple Christian compassionate organizations from around the world who have a passion for holistic healthy families and every person be a part of a holistic healthy family. This coalition is in its beginnings, but its actualized vision is greatly needed in our world today. Please pray with us that this Coalition will continue to move forward and its goal will be actualized in our world today through well planned lasting action steps.

Updates from Shan

I am enjoying how Guam is so accommodating to people with disabilities. I am doing Bible School on Wheels by Bruce Wilkinson. It’s a book with all these exercises learning about the Bible. Many of the youth in our church are also participating in this study. Thailand and the Philippines were a lot of fun even though I was sick for the last part. In Thailand I was able to reunite with my Muslim friend, Tida, at the Night Market. She sells cloth and accessories. I liked meeting all the missionaries. I got to see Vern & Natalie Ward, Mark & Linda Louw, Kim & Dave Hane, Dr. Fili Chambo, Jaron Grahm, Dr. Eugenio Duarte, and many others. In the Philippines I was able to stay at APNTS and reconnect with a lot of people. I am thankful to God every day for moving to Guam. Some of my interests here are the flea market, Chamorro Market, Micronesia Mall, and Guam Premier Outlets. I have been making a lot of people connections at these places. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Updates from Joel

Joel started his senior year at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. He is off to a good start. He has been keeping busy with some video jobs and recently got another job as a medical assistant at a podiatry clinic. Thank you for all the prayers and birthday wishes. Though most of you may not hear directly from him, your prayers, interest in his life, and special gifts sent his way from time to time have impacted his life. He is appreciative of your love and care for him at this time in his life.

Prayer Requests

Family: Ministry at the Guam church, regular times of rest and fun (visit the beach/ocean weekly)
David: Some writing projects, editing regional curriculum for the Course of Study, pastoral ministry, Coarse of Study classes in Micronesia
Rhonda: Continued development of Member Care on our field, mentoring opportunities at the Guam church, making connections here in Guam
Joel: Senior year at NNU, future direction for further study and preparation (PA school vs. medical school)
Shan: Making connections here in Guam, ways to be involved, possible job opportunities