Captain’s Blog

Captain’s Blog #90 - Melanesia Nazarene Teacher’s College 2nd Graduation - Papua New Guinea

Captain’s Blog #89- Schmelzenbach 2010 Home Assignment schedule

Schmelzenbach 2010 Home Assignment

August 8: White Fish CON, MT
August 15: Loveland CON, CO
August 22: Bourbonnais College CON, IL
August 29: Houston 1st CON, TX
Sept. 5: Clovis 1st CON, NM
Sept. 5 (pm): Angus CON, NM
Sept. 11-12: Kansas City 1st CON, MO
Sept. 19: Puyallup 1st CON, WA

We are currently scheduling the days on the road between these Sunday AM services which are now confirmed. Please let us know if your church or district would like to schedule a Mission Celebration Rally or Small Group Mission Encounter on or between the above dates and areas!

Captain’s Log #88

Please be in prayer for our people in Fiji… Cyclone expected to hit tonight.

At catagory 2 now and strengthening
trajectory To go straight over top of Navua around midnight
power down.
Very strong winds already - please have everyone praying,  - flooding - we’ve got people right on the river
likely will loose all contact soon
will try to make contact by satellite tomorrow
Harmon

Captain’s Blog #87 - Asia Pacific DS conference.

From NCNnews.com:

Seventy-nine leaders representing 18 nations gathered in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, November 3-5 for the second Asia-Pacific Regional District Superintendents Conference. The theme for this transformational event was “Servant Leadership:  Developing Christlike Leaders in the Asian and Pacific Contexts.”

General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter and his wife, Toni, served as keynote speakers for the conference. General Secretary David Wilson was also in attendance, choosing this event to kick off his tour of the Nazarene regions. Six of the district superintendents from around the region (Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, and the Philippines) also shared inspirational messages throughout the conference. Simultaneous translation was provided in five languages and a trio of youth from Indonesia led the times of worship and praise.

The Regional Advisory Council, along with field strategy coordinators, regional educators, and ministry coordinators were also there to serve and interact with the district superintendents.

“This is the best conference I ever attended!” expressed one district superintendent. This sentiment was echoed by many others, due not only to the wonderful spirit of prayer, praise, and transparency, but also in large part to the structure of the event.

A unique aspect of this conference was the participatory nature of the sessions. Each day, there were eight facilitator-led modules following the pattern of inspiration, discovery, implementation, and reporting. Participants were distributed across five multi-cultural discovery groups to discuss a key question:

• What if for one day Jesus were to become me?
• Am I a servant or a leader first?
• What is intentional servant leadership?
• How does a servant leader deal with conflict?
• How does a servant lead?
• What will be produced on my district?

Following these discovery modules, the district superintendents then gathered into field-based implementation groups to develop action points for their districts. These groups then reported back to the larger body, allowing for tremendous dialogue and learning.

“The group interaction was very helpful and gave new insights into my life as a D.S.,” commented one leader. Another district superintendent added, “The group discussions really opened my eyes to see what the Lord is doing in other parts of our region, and around the world.”

Many of the district superintendents agreed that this method really allowed their voices to be heard, shaping the outcome of discussions. Peter Isaac, Papua New Guinea missionary to Vanuatu, said, “This D.S. conference really helped us all to come together through sharing our views, problems, and requests. We have seen our weaknesses and strengths and received fresh insights and vision to go and implement these things in our ministries.”

In addition, each evening participants were challenged by Porter’s messages to “Embrace the attitude, the prayer life, the mission, and the Lordship of Christ.” Each service included special times of prayer and intercession. The event began with a concert of prayer, was sustained throughout by frequent visits to a prayer room, and was concluded with a powerful healing and communion service.

As a result of this emphasis on prayer, many participants renewed their commitments to be servant leaders whose first priority is a relationship with Christ. Kamda Kanzpena of the Papua New Guinea South Coast District remarked, “God spoke to me to pray and fast. I must get down on my knees!” His fellow district superintendent from the Middle Ramu District, Elizah Gukamb, admitted, “I was busy, busy … like Martha. Now I need to pray.”

Prayer is requested for the 47 district leaders of the Asia-Pacific Region, as they return to their places of ministry renewed and rededicated to serve their people and make Christlike disciples. District Superintendent Michael Mul from the Papua New Guinea Bromley District summed it up well in his parting testimony: “Jesus was people oriented and never isolated himself from the people. He healed, preached, and taught about God’s kingdom. I must be like Jesus.”

To see original article, and the slideshow accompanying it, visit http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?id=10007669

Captain’ Blog #86 - Engage article on Susan Myers

As director of Medical Services at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, Susan Myers has been deeply involved with moving the hospital from its crumbling 1967 building complex to a brand new, seven-building medical center throughout the fall of 2009. Listen as Myers describes the complex task of moving equipment and patients to the new location November 4-6. ….

View the rest of the article here:

http://www.engagemagazine.com/Magazine-Content/Podcasts/November-2009/Susan-Myers—There-isn-t-anywhere-else-I-would-ra.aspx

Captain’s Blog #85 - from Nazarene Communications Network news.

The Samoan Islands, Indonesia, and the Philippines have all suffered major natural disasters in the last few weeks. Two earthquakes, a tsunami, two typhoons, and landslides have claimed more than 1,000 lives and affected millions. With a future now uncertain, residents of these areas are grieving their loved ones, destroyed homes, and demolished communities.

As evidenced in the following reports, Nazarenes across the Asia-Pacific Region and around the globe have responded quickly and generously, seeking to come alongside those in such desperate need.

Church in Samoa
The Nazarene Church in Samoa has responded to the people who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami by gathering 30 sacks of rice, three sacks of sugar, two sacks of flour, 41 boxes of noodles, 11 boxes of tuna, more than 20 bags of clothes, and many other items to combine with $25,000 Samoan dollars ($10,300 U.S. Dollars [USD]) to help the victims. Interim District Superintendent Toeleiu Amuimuia, all pastors, District Advisory Board members, and representatives from each local church have worked together to collect these relief materials.

Samoan churches in Australia and U.S.
A large number of Samoans live off the islands, but are still strongly connected to the community there. Nazarene Samoan congregations in Australia and the U.S. were among the first to respond after the earthquake and tsunami. They came together in prayer, organized drives to collect needed materials, and volunteered to serve however they could. Eager to assist their countrymen, they continue to explore all avenues of participation in the relief effort.

Korea
Korean District leaders, Nazarene Missions International (NMI) leaders, and lay elders had a meeting to determine their initial response to assist the victims of typhoons and flooding in the Philippines. The result was a $5,000 donation from the Korean NMI.

Japan
Nazarenes in Japan began collecting funds to help those affected by the typhoons in the Philippines as soon as they heard about it on the news. They immediately sent $3,300 USD from reserve funds and put into motion fundraising campaigns to send more. They saw a need and responded as quickly as possible.

Hong Kong
The church in Hong Kong instantly began collecting offerings to help relieve the suffering of their Filipino neighbors. They collected HK$16,945 ($2,200 USD) on the first Sunday and have planned further special offerings.

East Timor
An individual donor in East Timor, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, volunteered to support the cost of sending two people from that country to join a work team in Indonesia after the earthquake. Together with other volunteers, they will be able to assist in the recovery process.

Indonesia
Nazarene volunteers have joined with other organizations to assess damage and respond to the earthquake in Padang, Indonesia. They are currently caring for 300 families by providing food, bedding, tents, and water.

Singapore
In Singapore, Nazarenes were touched by the story of a young girl in the Philippines who needed new shoes to go school. Hers were worn and muddied by the flooding. The churches in Singapore responded by coming together to collect and send children’s shoes and four large duffel bags of clothing.

Solomon Islands
Nazarenes in the Solomon Islands held a benefit concert to raise funds for disaster victims. They were thrilled by the eagerness of people to come and drop their offering in a collection box. At the end of the night the box was full, representing a real sacrifice for Solomon Nazarenes, many of whom live on low incomes. These crisis events have revealed that the Solomon Islands Church has transitioned from a receiving church to a giving church.

Manila, Philippines
Throughout Manila, Nazarenes gave clothing, helped clean destruction, sheltered victims, and served meals to the hungry. Many churches were opened as evacuation centers. Because some victims were afraid to leave their homes to receive food coming from organizations passing it out to the community, Nazarene pastors have responded by quietly directing those persons to the church and helping them individually.

Many churches in Metro Manila collected clothing for the victims. The Central Visayas District sent 18 boxes of clothing, even though district resident Nilo Rosende was a victim himself of a fire that destroyed his home and all his belongings.

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary responded quickly and with great skill to the needs of the community around them, welcoming people in and providing shelter, food, water, and minor medical attention. Hundreds were helped.

More Help is Needed
Persons and churches wishing to help can make a donation through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and mark their checks “Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief ACM1200” and mail them to the Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Online donations can be made by clicking here: ncm.org.

The Asia-Pacific Region praises the Lord for the many people around the region and the world who have jumped to help their brothers and sisters suffering from a barrage of natural disasters.

Captain’s Blog #84 - Samoa - Before and After Tsunami

Captain’s Blog #83 - From the NMI prayerline

Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami

Pray for the people who are suffering after an earthquake produced a tsunami and caused substantial damage and loss of life in Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga. Pray for residents of these islands as they recover, pray for relief agencies, including Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, as they provide assistance.  Click here for more information about the Samoan tsunami.

Captain’s Blog #82

THE FIJIBoat PROJECT / NAZARENE MARITIME MINISTRIES

PAST – PRESENT – FUTURE – WOW!

SURFING STORMS

‘Slightly sloppy seas?’ What a joke! Where did that forecast for these ocean conditions come from anyway? This is like surfing an 8 ton aluminum surfboard on the shear cliffs of animated massive angry mountains that are throwing themselves at you like dominoes… our ‘moderate’ ocean long ago exceeded ‘gale force’ and she’s working herself into full ‘tropical storm’ conditions. Otherwise known as ‘blowing like a hurricane’ with 25 feet high walls of indigo saltwater coming down on us at speeds I can’t outrun even with my 450 horses. And we are a very long ways out of sight of land. This is the stuff of nightmares. Nothing… nothing romantic about this – that would only be in the movies viewed from the dry safety of an armchair in the den. Five of the most harrowing, worst, nastiest, hours of my life…

LOVING WHAT I HATE

I thought back on it after enough days had gone by for the adrenalin to work itself out of the marrow of my bones and out of my hair… what’s left of my hair. God used even that trip. Actually He met me out there in such a real way in the midst of it, that as much as I HATED the experience… I could never say that I wish it hadn’t happened to me. Occasionally during these last 10 years, things have fallen into that category.

CAPTAIN

It was almost a decade ago that the call came in from James Johnson in the middle of the night. His burden to reach people on unreachable islands of the South Pacific, was contagious. From where he was, he needed a vessel and he needed a captain. For 2 & ½ years God had already been specifically preparing Cindy and I for that call. I held a USCG Captain’s license in my hand. Individuals like Dr. Bustle and Dr. Helstrom and many other brave people climbed on board. What was God thinking? What would this look like a decade from now?

FIJIBOAT BORN

For many of you it was somewhere in there that we began to share this with you and you began to pray for us and for God’s wild ideas of this mission work on the other side of the equator in the largest body of water known to man. You also gave of your money and sacrificed for this. Your prayers and your faith were to blame and Nazarene Maritime Ministries with its FIJIBoat Project was born.

A DECADE

As I think back over these last 10 years… wow!

It certainly was in many ways an invitation to war. Many of the battles and storms that have waged have been spiritual. The victory has never been questioned.

How many cyclones diverted by the power of prayer?

How many incredible stories unfolded as you’ve prayed down through these years?

How many long nights on an inky black ocean with the diamond speckled canopy of the Milky Way above us?

How many people transported? My logbooks show well into the thousands.

How many tons of cargo and building material and disaster relief supplies or hospital equipment? My logbooks show hundreds of thousands of metric tones transported.

How many un-forecast violent tropical storms did we find ourselves in? …too many but we always came home and the safety record still shows… ‘zero incident’ – amazing.

How many trips heading away from land out toward that bare horizon? My logbooks show over 500 ocean voyages to date since you started praying with me about this.

How many people won to the Kingdom? I have no idea… we’ll have to ask God someday but in God’s economy, He gave His son for one and this has been a very good investment of people and resources, so far.

The Schmelzenbachs in 2000

The Schmelzenbachs in 2008

THE VISION

God gave us a vision for NMM/FIJIBoat in the beginning for two things:

1. Do what you can to help address the transportation barriers across the islands of the South Pacific.

2. Do whatever else you can to be a catalyst for genuine advancement of the Kingdom.

GOD’S BLESSING

How great has God met us at the point of our faith down through these years and history will show what eternally significant things He has been about. Somewhere around 3 & ½ years ago, God’s vision for NMM began to really pick up speed.

EXPANSION

James Johnson asked me to be his Administrative Assistant and my involvement from the Kingdom of Tonga in the east expanded across six island countries all the way to Papua New Guinea in the west.

NAZARENE MARITIME MINISTRIES

The project that began as ‘FIJIBoat’, involving a boat in Fiji with the JESUS Film, now expanded way beyond just the Republic of Fiji Islands and more and more we were referring to it as NMM (Nazarene Maritime Ministries).

EXPLODING MINISTRY

NMM has been absolutely amazing! As a tool in God’s hands, God has used you, as you have prayed for and given to NMM, to do what otherwise wouldn’t have been done out here. Including things like providing another boat, this time for ‘Community Based Health Care’, a Nazarene ministry way up the primitive Sepik River Delta of Papua New Guinea, charter and regular flights across this vast field of islands separated by ocean barriers, life jackets for missionaries, remote area communication, cargo boat charters, island pastor training, computers, national missionary support… and about anything else you can think of that would innovatively help God’s church and be a Kingdom building catalyst across these six island nations.

Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene, Kadavu Koro, Fiji

JOHNSON’S LEAVING

After 28 years pouring themselves out on this mission field, James and Joy Johnson are moving back to the States following God’s lead after the death of James’ mom. Please pray for these great warriors of the faith. The race they have run on this mission field has not been casual – it has been a lifetime of walking and living and working by faith - they have run a good race. The mission field will look different for them now and maybe it will sound like Montana. They are looking at culture shock as they settle into that strange land after being away so very long. Pray that God will continue to bless their lives and ministries as they keep living out their faith.

FIELD STRATEGY COORDINATOR

Tonight I leave for Australia and Papua New Guinea. Cindy, Danielle and Quinton will catch up with me in a couple weeks. This is a new chapter of our lives and also for Nazarene Maritime Ministries. Cindy and I and the kids need your prayers like never before. After very much prayer and certainty that God was leading our church leaders in their decision, I accepted the appointment as ‘Field Strategy Coordinator’ for the Melanesia and for the South Pacific Fields for the Church of the Nazarene. Pray for us as we take Nazarene Maritime Ministries to the next level as one of God’s great ministry tools for continuing to aggressively build His Kingdom and expand His eternal FAMILY across these island nations during these critical hours of the worlds history!

THE VISION

Ten years later God has done impossible things! What began as one boat in one nation has grown to become the channel through which God is breaking down barriers and His Kingdom marches forward…. Will Nazarene Maritime Ministries continue? Absolutely! And remarkably, God’s vision to us for the future of Nazarene Maritime Ministries remains the same as it was in the beginning:

1) Do what you can to help address the transportation barriers across the islands of the South Pacific.

2) Do whatever else you can to be a catalyst for genuine advancement of the Kingdom.

You’ve been given an invitation: God has seen what you have done with the talents he entrusted to you – you’ve invested faithfully and those talents have resulted in much fruit for the Kingdom. Now, God is entrusting all of us with more… more souls that need to know Him, and more barriers to be overcome, more opportunities to share His heartbeat. The only limit is time.

Radical… Effective… Eternally Significant! Thank you for your prayers and for your giving! Let’s go!

-The Schmelzenbach’s

Meet your expanded family at our web site: www.southpacificfamily.org and also, look for us at the Asia-Pacific exhibit at General Assembly.

Captain’s Blog #81

WITH OR WITHOUT GOD??

I finally was able to get through to the cell phone number in Oklahoma and gradually the story unfolded. Seems that the lives of precious people to us, a family belonging to the church we pastored a lifetime ago in the early 1980’s, had suddenly been turned upside down. This family had two sons who now were in their late 20’s and early 30’s.  For 2 pizzas (worth $42) the younger son had been shot and killed, suddenly leaving behind a new family with a 2 week old baby girl.

What followed as I listened to the heartbroken older brother and the father, was deeply moving! In the midst of the ‘valley of the shadow of death’, a loud, clear, resounding testimony to perspective that only has one explanation…   a God who is not theory, acquainted with grief, grace that is real.

“Harmon, if you talk to people…    please ask them to pray for the young men involved in the murder…   pray for them…   that somehow God would use this and bring good out of it and they might know Him.”

This mission-field certainly spans the ocean both directions. Please pray for the family of Jeremy Moore and please pray for those involved in his murder.