News Results: 10 25 50 More: Older 
District Hosts Eritrean Families
Sep. 2, 2010
The Wesleyan Church’s Indiana South District camp opened its doors to other parts of the world a week after the district’s recent family camp.
Approximately 400 Eritreans, former citizens of the country of Eritrea (a country of over five million in North East Africa) used the campgrounds for their annual camp. Their camp director said the group wanted to reunite with their families and allow them to hear the message of the gospel.
General Superintendent’s Artifacts Displayed at SWU
Sep. 2, 2010
Artifacts from the collection of late General Superintendent Virgil A. Mitchell and Mrs. Mitchell are on display in the Evatt Heritage Center of the Rickman Library at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.
Indy Writers Conference Speaker Sold 70 Million Books
Sep. 1, 2010
Have you ever met an author whose book sales have exceeded 70 million copies?
Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the 70,000,000-selling book series, Left Behind, will be the keynote speaker for the November 5-6, 2010, Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference (ICWC), held at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters in Fishers, Indiana.
Jenkins is the author of more than 175 books, including the New York Times best-sellling Left Behind series and former editor of Moody magazine.
Chicken Eatery Serves as Temporary Church Home
Aug. 31, 2010
Church planting naturally poses several questions.
How will the church define its philosophy or values? What will the culture be? How will the church minister to the community? A more difficult question to answer can sometimes be, “Where will we meet?”
Young Adults Enjoy the Bible and Breakfast Together
Aug. 30, 2010
If young adults at Robinson Wesleyan Church in Robinson, Illinois, want breakfast during their Sunday school class they don’t have to walk far.
A nearby Hardee’s restaurant is the setting for the church’s young adult Sunday school class. A lack of extra space at the church prompted Illinois District Superintendent Ray Barnwell to suggest the group meet off-campus.
Small Community, Big-hearted Church
Aug. 30, 2010
Wesleyan Churches across North America have been participating in the donation of school supplies. One Illinois church bought supplies for every child in town.
Lay Pastors Angie and Larry Miller, of Janesville (IL) Wesleyan Church, led a church-wide collection of school supplies for the community. The church once again bought school supplies for every child (and one adult) who lives in Janesville, a village of 100. A total of 14 persons were given free supplies by this outreach-oriented church. Pastor Angie and Brandi Becker did the shopping while Brandi and her daughter Tori sorted the supplies for distribution.
Let There Be Light: For Children
Aug. 29, 2010
The Wesleyan Church currently partners with Kids Hope USA, which now has 600 programs in 31 states.
Recently I watched Lake Michigan turn a blue sky gray. Soon, the rhythm of playful waves yielded to a low grumble and growl; prelude to bad weather and consequences we must endure.
We know that too often, lightning causes lights to flicker. Sometimes all goes dark. And quiet. Life makes a sudden, dramatic change when the power goes out.
Wesleyans in the News
Aug. 27, 2010
Each week, both Wesleyans and Wesleyan churches are featured in online news publications. As we are alerted to those news items, we are privileged to pass them along. If you see a news item that relates to Wesleyans, please forward to communications@wesleyan.org. The following are sample news items:
Centenarian Wesleyan Chaplain Honored in Africa
Aug. 27, 2010
A former Wesleyan chaplain has left behind a rich legacy in her beloved country of Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Ya Memuna Samura, vernacular chaplain at Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital, recently passed away. According to close relatives, she was believed to be between the ages of 115-120 at the time of her death on August 8.
Sports Team & Wesleyan Church Join Forces to Fight Trafficking
Aug. 26, 2010
This week in Sacramento, Calif., the sports world joins the fight against human trafficking.
The Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A baseball team affiliated with the Oakland A’s, and Crossroads Christian Fellowship (Wesleyan)–along with two other organizations–have partnered together to bring human trafficking awareness to California’s capital.
Houghton College Designated Pro Tools Sponsored College
Aug. 26, 2010
Recognizing that music continues to evolve as technology develops, Houghton College, one of five colleges and universities of The Wesleyan Church, has stepped to the forefront of digital application through designation as a Pro Tools-sponsored college. Music students and communication majors at the Houghton, New York, college will simultaneously benefit from Pro Tools through specific video applications.
New SWU Students Assist in Community
Aug. 25, 2010
Ethan Bourne (pictured) of Denton, N.C., pruned shrubs at Central History Museum one day before the start of classes at Southern Wesleyan University. He was one of the freshman and transfer students at the Central, South Carolina University that volunteered to serve in the community.
Wesleyan Colleges and Universities Rated Among the Best
Aug. 25, 2010
Wesleyan colleges and universities rank among the finest of America’s best higher education institutions.
Noted publications such as U. S. News and World Report, Forbes, and Princeton Review recognized four Wesleyan colleges and universities located in the United States.
Wesleyan Church Provides Filmmaking Seminar to D.C. Students
Aug. 24, 2010
Beth Fussner, former missionary to Indonesia and New Zealand and founder of Inside|Out,has brought the youth-oriented filmmaking workshops to Washington, D. C. The United Wesleyan Church in Alexandria, pastored by Beth’s husband, Rev. Jeff Fussner, sponsored the first Inside|Out Metro D.C., week-long digital filmmaking workshop, August 1-7.
NAE, World Relief Sponsor Forum on Immigration
Aug. 23, 2010
The National Association of Evangelicals and World Relief will sponsor an Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration, Friday, September 24, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46037. Organizers say the forum will be a time in which “leaders can learn about immigration from a biblical perspective and will have the opportunity to ask tough questions.”
OKWU Achieves Many “Firsts”
Aug. 22, 2010
According to President Everett Piper, the 2010-2011 school year at Oklahoma Wesleyan University is just beginning, and already the university has achieved a number of “firsts.”
The Bartlesville, Okla., campus has the largest new student enrollment in its history with 226.
Christie Reelected General Superintendent in Caribbean
Aug. 20, 2010
Rev. Carlston Christie was reelected to serve a four-year term as General Superintendent of the Caribbean General Conference of The Wesleyan Church. The theme “Committed to Leadership, Growing Churches” fit the atmosphere, as delegates to the second quadrennial General Conference met in Antigua, August 13-15. The opening ceremony of the conference included a parade of flags; prayer and the ministry of the Word; and an address by the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honorable Dr. W. Baldwin Spencer.
Houghton Art Gallery Announces Exhibit
Aug. 20, 2010
The Ortlip Gallery at Houghton College has an established tradition of presenting a diverse range of innovative exhibitions and educational programs that offer insight into the work of established and emerging regional, national, and international artists and designers. The first exhibit of the 2010-2011 season features the work of artists Ben Zion and Marc Chagall on display through September 4, 2010.
Philippine Wesleyan Leader Dies
Aug. 19, 2010
Dr. Saturnino P. Garcia (78), former General Superintendent of the Philippine Wesleyan Church, died Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Ordained to the Wesleyan ministry in 1963, he was a pastor and district superintendent, who was elected General Superintendent in 1975. Upon his retirement in 1989, he became director of “2000 by 2000,” traveling to all Wesleyan mission fields to assist in reaching the goal of 2000 Wesleyan churches in world mission countries by the year 2000.
Two Clean Hearts
Aug. 19, 2010
The elderly woman lay in a hospital bed, waiting for heart surgery and wondering if she’d make it to see another day. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure, the woman in Bridgeport, Illinois, was told she would need a triple bypass surgery.
As she struggled with possible physical death, her relatives wondered if spiritual death was imminent too. She had visited Bridgeport Wesleyan Church about 30 years ago and had eaten at some church dinners since–but had never attended services with her husband and grandkids.
Trinity Wesleyan Volunteers Lighten Heavy Loads
Aug. 19, 2010
For new Southern Wesleyan University students and their families, the initial move to campus brings excitement combined with a bit of nervous anticipation. A part of that anxiety is figuring out where to park and how to move a mountain of items into a dorm room after hours of driving from home.
For the past five years, a group of volunteers from Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, S.C., has been present to alleviate those fears, greeting students and their families with welcoming, helping hands on hot August days.
Former Australia Superintendent Passes
Aug. 18, 2010
Rev. Stan Baker, former national superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia, died Wednesday, August 18. Rev. Baker, who served as National Superintendent from 1997 to 2008, had struggled with a terminal illness in recent years.
General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, Dr. Jerry G. Pence, said of Rev. Baker’s leadership, “The worldwide Wesleyan family is deeply saddened by the news of the Reverend Stanley Baker’s death.
Pacific Southwest District Encourages Fight Against Slavery
Aug. 18, 2010
The atrocities of human trafficking continue to multiply around the world.
Also called modern day slavery, human trafficking exists in various forms: forced labor, sex trafficking, domestic servitude, and child soldiers, to name a few. Often the numbers are so alarming that people struggle in knowing how to help. (The United Nations estimates the total market value of human trafficking is estimated at more than $32 billion.)
OKWU Qualifies as Military-Friendly School
Aug. 17, 2010
Oklahoma Wesleyan University has been approved to be on the list of Military-Friendly Schools. Yesterday G.I. Jobs 2011’s list of Military Friendly Schools released the list of the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.
Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools.
Ohio Church Members Minister in Toronto
Aug. 16, 2010
"When we were praying with the people in downtown Toronto, I prayed over a little lady with speech problems," said Lyndsey Haas. "All I could understand was 'pray for me.'"
Lyndsey, age 15, and 13 others from Community Wesleyan Church in Newark, Ohio, traveled to Toronto, Canada, to serve on a recent mission trip.
Church Stays Home for Mission Trip
Aug. 16, 2010
Members of Fountain Springs Community (Wesleyan) Church completed their first ever, week-long mission trip recently, and the group didn’t have far to travel. They stayed home!
Over 150 church members and 10 community volunteers joined in the efforts to serve their city: Rapid City, South Dakota.
Teamwork Results in Canada’s First Hispanic Wesleyan Church
Aug. 13, 2010
The teamwork between Wesleyan districts in Canada and South Carolina has resulted in the first Hispanic Wesleyan church in Canada. Pastor Dumar Camacho, a Wesleyan pastor and former district superintendent from Colombia, South America, moved to the Palmetto State to assist with Latino and Hispanic ministries. When a Hispanic pastor friend told Camacho that he was moving to Canada to start a church, Rev. Camacho advised him to start a Wesleyan church.
Arkansas Baptist Church Uses WPH Booklet in Outreach
Aug. 12, 2010
First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, has ordered 1,000 copies of Wesleyan Publishing House’s booklet Knowing God. According to a pastoral staff member of the church, the booklets were chosen because they are “user friendly and help people enter into spiritual conversations.”
Canada District Regional Directors in HQ Meetings
Aug. 12, 2010
Rev. Mark Parker and Rev. Laurence Croswell, regional directors for Central Canada District’s Emerging Regions strategy to “reach the nation of Canada with the life-changing message of the gospel” are in meetings at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, August 9-13. Parker and Croswell are observing the assessment process during the Pastors Assessment Center provided by the Church’s Department of Evangelism and Church Growth. The Wesleyan Church Planter Assessment Center helps a potential church planter clarify and church planting sponsors verify whether he or she has the specific calling, necessary gifts and graces, and character to be a lead church planter.
Haiti Wesleyan School Rebuilding
Aug. 12, 2010
Wesleyan schools in Cite Soleil and Verger (near Petit Goave) damaged by the January earthquake are to be rebuilt with the assistance of World Hope International, a world relief partner of The Wesleyan Church. Its student enrollment of 71 children in the Verger school and 47 in the Cite Soleil has received support assistance from World Hope since 1997 through a child sponsorship program.
Church Leader Talks about Importance of Spiritual Formation
Aug. 12, 2010
Jan Hughes serves as co-pastor of Wesleyan Evangelical Church in Stockton, Calif., along with her husband, Bob, and also serves as the spiritual formation director for the Pacific Southwest District. Read about why she thinks spiritual formation is important in the life of a Christian.
Q: When did you become pastor of the church plant in Stockton?
I just began a co-pastor position with my husband on June 1.
Playground Opens Doors for Ministry
Aug. 11, 2010
Children in Covina, Calif., have a new playground to enjoy with the help of a local Wesleyan church.
In partnership with Kaboom! and Dr. Pepper Snapple, Neighborhood Christian Fellowship (NCF) constructed a state-of-the-art metal playground for area children. With the help of 225 volunteers (pictured) on May 6, 2010, the project took only six hours to complete.
Healing Waters Ministering in HIV/AIDS Community
Aug. 10, 2010
Some of South Carolina’s “least of these” have found a place to call home.
Healing Waters Ministries in Beaufort, SC, is ministering to those with HIV/AIDS in the community. The predominantly African-American Wesleyan church is led by Rev. Brenda Singleton.
The volunteer pastor knows much about the HIV/AIDS community; she works as a medical case manager and prevention specialist at ACCESS (AIDS Counseling Community Education Supported Services) Network, an HIV/AIDS community agency . . .
Bethany Names New Vice President of Academic Affairs
Aug. 10, 2010
President Mark Gorveatte, Bethany Bible College, has announced the appointment of Rev. David F. Smith, Ph.D., as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Smith most recently served as the associate dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, taught undergraduate classes, and was chair of the Division of Religion and Philosophy at Indiana Wesleyan University.
IWU Grad among Volunteers Executed by Taliban
Aug. 9, 2010
Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, a university of the Fishers, Indiana based denomination, The Wesleyan Church, has released a news story regarding a graduate who was among ten humanitarian workers killed by the Taliban:
Cheryl Marie Beckett, who graduated with honors from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2000, was among the 10 medical volunteers who were shot to death last week in Afghanistan by the Taliban. She was 32 years old.
“The entire Indiana Wesleyan University family is shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal death of this courageous young woman,” Dr. Henry Smith, IWU President, said.
“Those of us at IWU who are privileged to work with students such as Cheryl Beckett are overwhelmed and humbled by their desire to make our world a better place to live, whatever the personal costs may be,” he said . . .
Wesleyan Leaders to Hold Pre-Conference Event
Aug. 9, 2010
Leaders within The Wesleyan Church can attend a special conference leading up to The Gathering in January 2011.
The G11 “Emurgency” Pre-Conference for the young adult movement will take place in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 4. Church leaders will assemble to talk about the present state of ministry to young adults within the denomination.
IWU Computers Get a Second Life in Haiti
Aug. 6, 2010
Fifteen Apple desktop computers that officially were retired on Indiana Wesleyan University’s Marion, Indiana, campus are back on active duty in Haiti.
IWU donated the computers to Fireside International, a non-profit media company based in Haiti that operates the Caribbean Institute of Media Technologies. The Institute is a first-of-its-kind media training program that has been operating in Haiti for several years.
Central Canada Adopts Emerging Regions Strategy
Aug. 5, 2010
Calling it a renewal of the district’s “Passion for Canadians to reach the nation of Canada with the life-changing message of the gospel, the Central Canada District of The Wesleyan Church approved an “Emerging Regions Strategy.” Approved at the July 2, 2010, Central Canada District Conference (pictured L to R, Rev. Mark Parker, Dist. Supt. Rev. Donald Hodgins, Gen. Supt. Dr. Thomas E. Armiger), the strategy provides framework for developing new ministry regions within Canada that will “emerge into fully established districts.”
Florida District Implements Creative Financial Ministries
Aug. 5, 2010
At its recent district conference, chaired by Dr. Jerry G. Pence, the Florida District announced its Debt Retirement Incentive Program. The program will assist its local churches in getting out of debt, in order to have more dollars for ministry. If a local church has a mortgage loan with Wesleyan Investment Foundation and makes a thirteenth payment during the course of a year, the district will make a fourteenth payment, providing the church is current with its United Stewardship Fund contributions . . .
New Young Adult Initiative Focuses on Missions
Aug. 4, 2010
The Wesleyan Church’s Spiritual Formation department began building a partnership with Haiti recently, seeking to minister to those affected by the January 12 earthquake.
“We believe in longevity and building long-term relationship with those in Haiti, and I believe our young adults will resonate with this vision,” says Jeremy Summers, director of adult ministries.
Conrad Elected DS of West Michigan District
Aug. 2, 2010
Rev. Chris Conrad, Director of Church Planter Development in The Wesleyan Church’s Department of Evangelism and Church Growth, was elected district superintendent of the West Michigan District by a near unanimous vote, Friday, July 30. West Michigan, one of the largest of thirty-four districts in the Church, was previously led by Rev. Mark Gorveatte. In March, 2010, Gorveatte was elected to serve as the eleventh president of Bethany Bible College in Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada . . .
Rebuilding the Church in Haiti
Aug. 1, 2010
The rebuilding of the church goes on in Haiti, but not always with hammers and saws. Kory and Chris Thede, Global Partners missionaries with The Wesleyan Church and serving in Northern Haiti since 1988, use different tools. Kory, a horticulturist, may use a mattock, shovel, or sprayer to plant and tend trees and crops to replenish the historically deforested land. Kris, a physician, may use a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, or vials of antibiotics. Together they provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support on a daily basis, support that escapes the headlines from the earthquake-ravished country. They are rebuilding lives.
Wesleyan Youth Weekends Announced
Jul. 30, 2010
The Spiritual Formation Department of The Wesleyan Church has announced a new format for its area Wesleyan Youth Conventions. Called “Wesleyan Youth Weekends,” the conventions will be held in four to six “tour” locations throughout the year. Spiritual Formation Department General Director Dr. Jim Dunn said, “Location, cost, and timing are the top three factors leaders and students consider. We have thoughtfully researched and prepared a transition that we believe will allow the youth movement of The Wesleyan Church to be even more effective.”
North Carolina Church Receives Missional Award
Jul. 30, 2010
Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church in Jackson County North Carolina recently was honored as Missional Church of the Year by the South Carolina District of The Wesleyan Church. Located within the district’s boundaries, it is one of 59 churches. General Superintendent Dr. Jerry G. Pence, present for the district’s annual conference and the award ceremony, says their award is reflection of their missional commitment to help fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
Tuckasegee Wesleyan is the home church of its senior pastor, Rev. Jeff Powell. Jeff and his wife, Jennifer (pictured), have served the church and its surrounding community for fifteen years. Under the pastor’s leadership, the church has become a stand-out in its creative community ministries. Pastor Powell is an example. In 1998 he became a volunteer chaplain for the sheriff’s department. His Facebook page called “Shield a Badge with Prayer” encourages other Christians to pray for public safety officers, and now has over 2,000 followers. Jeff does more “offsite” ministry than “Online,” however. His personal counseling with officers and their families help the men and women in law enforcement face the stress produced by their vocation . . .
Native American Ministry Answers to Prayer
Jul. 29, 2010
“Will revival every come to Native lands?”
Wesleyan Native Ministries Director Rich Avery reports signs that answer the question with a resounding “Yes.” Recently completing a tour of fifteen districts of The Wesleyan Church, Avery says he was glad to report that “God is answering prayer in amazing ways.”
Counting What Really Counts
Jul. 29, 2010
The Illinois district of The Wesleyan Church has profiled the Church’s most important statistics. District Superintendent Dr. Ray Barnwell said in his recent newsletter, "Converts are the clear focus of the Great Commission." According to its 2009 statistical report, 719 people made decisions for Christ through the district’s ministry.
NC Districts Commit to Raise Money for Haiti
Jul. 28, 2010
Wesleyans from the North Carolina East District raised $10,739.97 to assist in rebuilding a church in Haiti. The district asked Wesleyans to commit to raising $10,000, and attendees at the recent district camp meeting responded beyond the goal. The entire camp meeting offering will be donated to this cause.
North Carolina West District has also committed to raise $10,000, to help rebuild churches damaged by the earthquake that ravaged Haiti on January 12.
Garlow Appears on “Fox and Friends”
Jul. 28, 2010
Dr. Jim Garlow, senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa, CA, and chair of Renewing American Leadership, appeared recently on “Fox and Friends,” a morning news broadcast of the Fox News Channel. He appeared on the show to discuss the Cordoba Initiative, which is a movement to build a mosque at the site of Ground Zero, the site of the terrorist attacks on New York City on September 11, 2001.
Historic Freedom Hill Location on NC Civil War Trail
Jul. 27, 2010
The Wesleyan Methodist congregation founded by Adam Crooks in the mid-1800’s stood bravely against the human slavery trade and suffered greatly at the hands of their slaveholding neighbors.
High Point Church Honored
Jul. 27, 2010
What High Point Wesleyan Church (High Point, NC) did on Palm Sunday this year resulted in a recent award handed out by city officials.
High Point City Manager Strib Boynton and Police Chief Jim Fealy presented the church with a beautiful award that states “Faith in Action Leadership Award Presented to First Wesleyan Church – With Appreciation for Your Exemplary Compassion in Action.” Their faith was lived out during Holy Week to reflect God’s love and bring the spirit of hope and encouragement to those affected by the weather tragedy.
About
Wesleyan Information Network (WIN) keeps Wesleyans informed through a news network that includes electronic newsletters, news postings on the Web, and media releases.
Most Popular in News
Wesleyan Church Provides Filmmaking Seminar to D.C. Students
OKWU Achieves Many “Firsts”
Philippine Wesleyan Leader Dies
Wesleyan Colleges and Universities Rated Among the Best
Christie Reelected General Superintendent in Caribbean
Young Adults Enjoy the Bible and Breakfast Together
Sports Team & Wesleyan Church Join Forces to Fight Trafficking
NAE, World Relief Sponsor Forum on Immigration
Houghton College Designated Pro Tools Sponsored College
Two Clean Hearts