Updates from the Ackermans May 2019

We celebrated Resurrection Day, April 21, with Antipolo First Church of the Nazarene. The church met on an empty street in a subdivision in Antipolo city. The setting was beautiful, with trees and grass from vacant lots around the street where we gathered. David preached a message from Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:22-24. Pastor Jaime Enicio translated for those who could not understand English. It was a joy to be with this vibrant church as the sun rose on Easter morning.

Sunday Morning at Blessed

On Sunday morning, April 28, we visited the Blessed Church of the Nazarene in the northern suburbs of Manila as part of World Health Day. Rhonda was the featured speaker during the morning service speaking on Trust in the Lord, Abide in Him, Abide in His Love, Trust in Him More. This church specifically invited community health care workers to the service simply to honor them. Many of those honored work for the local barungay (village) government. The church wanted to express their appreciation for what they do for the community. One of the ladies said that this was the first time she had ever been honored like this. You can read more about this even HERE.

Graduation at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary

On May 4, 27 students graduated from APNTS. This included three students graduating with a doctoral degree. This was the last graduation with Dr. Bruce Oldham as president. Dr. Oldham has accepted a new ministry position as senior pastor in Winterhaven, Florida. David serves as adjunct professor for APNTS and helped hood the Master of Ministry students. We served full time at APNTS from 1999-2002, and 2005-2008. For more information about the graduation, you can click HERE.

Graduation at Visayan Nazarene Bible College

Another exciting graduation this month on May 10 was at VNBC located in Cebu. David was privileged to be the featured speaker for the Baccalaureate Service and Graduation Service. There were five Bachelor of Arts in Theology graduates and seven Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education graduates. They will be going out in various ministries, including pastors, associate pastors, and teachers. Some will continue their studies at APNTS next year. VNBC President Rev. Larnie Sam Tabuena is doing a great job in leading this college into new days of growth. Just this past week, Pastor Sam, as we call him, told me that VNBC has been recognized in the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities. This is a significant step in helping VNBC seek higher accreditation and recognition. Congratulations to VNBC faculty and staff for this significant milestone.

Philippines Church of the Nazarene 2^ndNational
WOW Women of Wisdom Conference

Over 230 Nazarene women from all over the Philippines met in Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City, for their 2nd WOW, Women of Wisdom, National Conference. Women were challenged by guest speaker, Marlene Legaspi-Munar, who spoke on the theme, Transforming Households. Marlene emphasized, There can only be a transformation if there is first a change in our spirit. She also challenged us in renewing our mind. How do we renew our mind? 1) Read God’s word regularly. 2) Hear God’s word attentively. 3) Study God’s word seriously. 4) Meditate God’s word thoughtfully. 5) Apply God’s word immediately. For two and a half days we worshipped together, fellowshipped, made new friends, ate delicious food, laughed, took many selfies, and island hopped to the home of the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines, Gutmaras. In 2021, the 3rd National WOW Women of Wisdom Conference will be held in Palawan, Philippines.

Extension Class in Myanmar

David is teaching New Testament Theology in Yangon, Myanmar, May 19-June 1, for the Master of Ministry program of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. There are nine students in the course. Several are close to completing their degree and others are just beginning. There are three young ladies who are pastors living from 5 to 10 hour drive away from the campus. One student is a new district superintendent. Several are pastors in the area. The class is being held at one of the extension centers for Chapman International College (formerly South East Asia Nazarene Bible College). The Board of Regents for CIC is also meeting this week, so David has heard some great news. There are now over 970 students in 50 extension sites across South East Asia. Many of those are lay people. They are hoping to start programs in business and English. Amos, the site coordinator in Yangon, is hoping to find people who can come teach a class in business. If you have a college degree and experience in business and would like an adventure to Myanmar for a week or two, please let us know and we will put you in touch with Amos.

PLNU Loveworks Team Helps Shechem Children's Home

The Thelma Heinrich Memorial Playground was dedicated this week for the children of Shechem Children's Home Inc. We praise God for this generous donation from the Heinrich Family in offering a safe place for our children. The LoveWorks Team from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California, helped build this play area and spent time with the kids. Work and Witness coordinators Kevin and Janet Wilkins helped organize the group. Leody Eschavez (pictured below) heads up Nazarene Compassionate Ministry for our Field and has helped get this home for rescued children organized. Shechem is the Nazarene home for children rescued from Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). You can read more about it HERE.

Updates on Joel

Joel only has less than four weeks left in his study abroad program in South Korea. He will fly back to the Philippines on June 25 for two weeks before returning to Idaho to get ready for his senior year at Northwest Nazarene University. Here are some thoughts from him:
My time in Korea has been a once in a lifetime experience, where I’ve grown drastically as a person. Unbeknownst to most, studying abroad isn’t always a fun experience, but I will stand firm in my belief that it will change you for the better. I’ve had to face a lot of hardships including my camera being stolen as well as other things such as missing home, language barriers, etc. However, I’ve met people from all around the world and made friendships I know will stand the test of time. I’ve also had the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone such as take classes completely in Korean which has forced me to make Korean friends (which is actually very difficult considering they’re not always open to talking with foreigners), run a 10k with no training at all, and join a Korean club that feeds and provides medical care for cats (I know, I’m a true anthropomorphitarian). All in all, being able to live here for a semester has been a difficult yet enjoyable experience.

Updates on Shan

I was invited to be interviewed in Dr. Fletcher Tink’s APNTS Theology of Compassion Class. I spoke about how others show compassion to me and also how I show compassion to others. I shared how some students give me lunch; people give me their time; and, people teach me different languages like Burmese, Japanese, Naga (India language), Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. I have also been working with the Missionary Kids. I have gone to two concerts to support my MK friends. This past month I started volunteering with helping share Bible Devotions with children who are rescued from Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). This Sunday I am helping to start a Sunday Worship Service with these children.

Prayer Requests

David: Working on Course of Study materials for the Asia-Pacific Region Course of Study and some other writing projects. Upcoming board meeting at Philippine Nazarene College, June 28, and the various initiatives happening there.
Rhonda: Continued development of Member Care on our field.
Joel: Finishing the semester at Korea University and returning to Idaho.
Shan: Making more connections with people.

Easter Sunrise Service