Global Missions

Global Missions and NMI-TOGETHER!

Within the past year, both Global Missions and Nazarene Missions International have seen leadership changes. As always when change comes, it involves transition, moving, taking up responsibilities, and discerning the way forward. By God’s grace, the way forward is clearly TOGETHER! 

Jim Ritchie, previously Eurasia Regional Director, and Cheryl Crouch, a former teacher and prolific writer of children’s missionary books, graciously responded to interview questions, revealing a distinct sense of the oneness with which they see the Mission of God through the Church of the Nazarene.  

Ritchie defines the work of Global Missions simply. “A local church with a global heart, and global church with a local family.” “God has commanded us to fulfill His mission, and our response is that we mobilize people, called of God, as we send them to the ends of the earth, or to the end of the street.” “Dr. Brezee and Dr. Reynolds would likely ask: ‘If a Church of the Nazarene is not both global and local, is it truly a Nazarene church?’” 

Crouch defines the work of Nazarene Missions International through its Identity Statement: “NMI is the global missions advocate in every local church, nurturing a spirit of missions, and mobilizing into action, impacting people around the world.” “This has confirmed my lifelong understanding of NMI. And with our Areas of Impact, through prayer, and faithfulness in giving through World Evangelism Fund (WEF), we not only deploy and support missionaries—one of our strengths—we remind every local church of their opportunity to join in the global mission of God through the Church of the Nazarene.”  

When asked what have been the most positive discoveries they’ve made since taking office, Jim and Cheryl’s responses complemented and completed one another’s:  

Jim- “I’ve been so impressed with the Church of the Nazarene’s unyielding and unwavering commitment to reach the lost though evangelism, compassion, and education.” Cheryl- “The absolute joy I see in Nazarenes everywhere I go…really an affirmation that what I believed about our church is true! I see this fresh wind of the Spirit blowing through the church and the response of God’s people is JOY!” Jim- “Yes, it’s a reaffirmation that there is a generation coming, passionate for Jesus and the mission of God. We are here to help them discover God’s call on their life.” Cheryl- “There are so many gifted, talented people who are pouring out their lives in service to God and the church…it’s inspiring!” Jim- “And, there is consistency of heart and atmosphere everywhere I go—whether in a huge urban center, or a small rural setting—the same heart for holiness in mission is there and joyfully expressed.” 

When asked how the church may pray for these two vital missions entities and their work, Cheryl said: “Pray that all Nazarenes can remember that they are part of NMI and can therefore choose to fully engage in advocating for global missions and participating in what God is doing around the world through the Church of the Nazarene.” 

Jim added: “Pray with the understanding that all intercessory prayer has a name and face… ‘Lord, help the people in….’ We give the praying church enough information to fill and fulfill their time in intercessory ways that can change people and situations by moving the heart and hand of God.”