“It’s just not true!” she said with passion in her voice. “My friend told me that the Nazarene church doesn’t believe in the Holy Spirit. But it’s just not true!”
It was a day to remember in a creative access nation in South Asia as we officially organized the first local church with 26 members. One of those members shared how she had some hesitation about becoming a Nazarene until the final membership class when Joel was teaching clearly about holiness, sanctification, the holy life, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For the first time, it became clear to her what God desired from her. And she finally understood beyond any doubt that this was, in fact, a church that deeply believes in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Although we can’t share names or places or many details at all because of the context, this general sentiment was echoed among all the new members that day. These believers are passionate about their faith, and they desire to live the holy life God has prepared for them. They have sacrificed much to follow Jesus, but they have no regrets.
Joel Mullen, South Asia Field Strategy Coordinator, was honored and privileged to be with them very recently to celebrate this special day and organize the church. The day was filled with worship, prayer, and a spirit of celebration. Later in the day, the new church members issued 9 new local minister’s licenses to their strongest leaders, and a new church plant was officially recognized in a new town. We believe this new church plant will keep growing and soon become the second organized church in the country.
The local pastor said joyfully, “This is a historic day for the Nazarene church in my country. We have long awaited this day, and God is giving us a vision for reaching other parts of the country for Christ!”
For security reasons, the ministry in this place is as paperless as possible. So, instead of giving the new members a certificate of membership, each was given the special gift of a coffee mug imprinted with the phrase “treasures in jars of clay.” These believers indeed contain within their hearts a priceless treasure. And they don’t want to keep it just for themselves. Instead, they long to share it with others. They deeply desire for more and more people to know the hope they have found in Jesus!
Thank you for your prayers for this new and vibrant Nazarene church.
-story by Joel Mullen, South Asia Field Strategy Coordinator.
