The teens in the 'Golden Youth' group at the Bayanihan Church of the Nazarene in Antipolo, Philippines, are taking seriously Jesus' command to 'go and make disciples.'

In November 2008, one of the leaders of the youth group, 17-year-old Michael, used an EvangeCube to present the gospel to a friend at San Jose National High School. The friend, Angelo, responded and prayed to receive Christ into his life.

Trouble abounds. Sin seems to run rampant. Nearly every media outlet (and there are many!) constantly reminds us of the heartache, evil, and trouble around us.

While it is good to stay informed, sometimes the intense and constant influx of messages full of fear, death, and trauma can overwhelm even the most faithful and optimistic believer.

Jennifer Gillett is a professional woman from Lord's Bank, a community just outside Belize City, Belize. Her father, Archie Gillett, served as pastor of Zion Church of the Nazarene in Belize City. One of four siblings, Jennifer is an elementary school teacher. She received her education at the University of Belize.

At the time of this interview, Jennifer was engaged to Nicholas Newman. They were married in December 2009.

HT: List the areas where you serve the church locally and on your district.

The big fish in Jonah’s story often gets treated unfairly. He (or she) is often made out to be the villain or an instrument of punishment. Perhaps we mistake the story of Jonah for that of Gepetto, the father of Pinocchio, who gets trapped inside an evil whale while searching for his wooden boy.

Jesus said it first. He was praying for His disciples—first century and twentieth century—them and us. His petition—“Sanctify them” (John 17:17, NIV). Why? First, that they might be kept clean in a dirty world – protected from “the evil one” (John 17:15, NIV). But just as clear and important is the second provision of their sanctification—“that all of them may be one” (John 17:21 NIV). Holy hearts would produce holy unity.

In what is being called the "historic" 27th General Assembly this past June [2009], delegates once again affirmed Article X-Entire Sanctification, from our Articles of Faith. It is important that every Nazarene understand what many call, "our distinguishing doctrine."

The chestnut, like other nuts, is encased in two shells, an outer and an inner shell. The outside case is very rough, full of sharp thorns and stickers. In the proper season, when the rains and frost come they soften this outside burr, and when the sun shines on it the burr cracks open and folds out, and the chestnut falls from its rough encasement.

How true this may be said of the sinner!

I was living my life as normal, serving the Lord, providing for my family, and serving His Church. Then came "The Call." That fateful call. When "The Call" comes it always rocks my world. Many times it seems that it's the Lord reminding me He knows I'm still alive. Other times it's clear there is much more to it and I am supposed to spend extra quality time with Him.

I have always strived to follow God's will, no strings attached. It didn't matter the size of the congregation, the climate, or the remuneration. I simply obey.

When I was a teenager, I heard a preacher make an impassioned plea in regard to the work of Jesus on the cross: “Jesus went through a lot of trouble just to get your attention!”

Even a cursory understanding of the life and work of Jesus reminds us that there was a great deal of inconvenience in the life of Jesus: His birth was a struggle for His parents and for Him, He grew up in an arduous time and in a difficult part of town, He faced growing opposition as He sought to usher in a new kingdom, and He was put to death in the cruelest way imaginable.

How few there are! How refreshing to run up against them! We find them here and there like an oasis in the desert. They do not come by chance, nor are they creatures of more favorable environment, nor have they their Christian strength by heredity. Some of the very best and strongest Christian characters we meet are of all people void of favorable environment, and have not been blest with any sweet disposition by heredity.

Strong Christians are strong only by the grace and power of God.