Focusing on the results of its efforts in Africa, the
Southeastern USA Region came together September 21-23 for its
Nazarene World Mission Society (NWMS) Regional Conference.
Dennis Moore, the region’s NWMS general representative, led the
conference, which drew 350 people to Lake Junaluska, North
Carolina.
The 11 districts on the Southeastern Region have sent 322
people on Work and Witness teams and raised more than $100,000 to
assist in the construction of the massive Harmon Schmelzenbach
Hall on the campus of Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in
Nairobi, Kenya.
On hand was Harmon Schmelzenbach, who pioneered
the work in Kenya and developed the vision for Africa Nazarene
University. Representing the Africa Region were Dinah Huff,
first lady of the region, and ANU Vice-Chancellor Leah Marangu,
who brought greetings and delighted conferees with a visual
presentation of progress on the building. Also present were Bob
and Yvonne Helstrom, who have helped coordinate funding for
projects at ANU.
Among conference speakers was Nina Gunter, NWMS general
director, who presented an update of Nazarene missions and
declared, “Missions is the heartbeat of God.” According to
Gunter, the Church of the Nazarene is among the 10 largest
missionary sending denominations in the world and currently
ministers in 135 world areas. One of seven Nazarenes now lives
in Africa, she said.
Describing the conference, Schmelzenbach said, “What a
gathering it was! Men and women from all over the Deep South,
people I have often called a legion of angels, gathered to
celebrate their participation in the building of the
administration block for Africa Nazarene University. They shared
moments of faith and blessing as they sang and testified and told
of foundations poured, rock cut, and rebar laid.
They rejoiced as
they viewed picture after picture of the enormous four-story
building rising from the red African dirt to dominate the skyline
just outside Nairobi. Virtually all of these people had
participated at one time or another with a determination to
change the face of Africa for the Master. The Southern
Educational Region has made a definite, tangible impact on the
soul of Africa.”
