Toledo Trinity Nazarene Missions International

01/15/2025

➡️ Donate to help: ncm.org/lafires ⬅️

In Southern California, a series of major wildfires in the Los Angeles area have forced the evacuation of at least 180,000 people from their homes. Within the first 48 hours of the crisis, approximately 10,000 homes and other buildings burned to the ground. The quick spread of the fires was exacerbated by drought, dry vegetation, and intense Santa Ana winds, challenging efforts by first responders to contain the blazes. As of Thursday evening, approximately 400,000 customers remained without power, and at least ten fatalities had been reported. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the wildfires currently raging, was only 6% contained as of Friday morning.

Nazarene churches in the Los Angeles area have experienced the impact of these wildfires. Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene was completely destroyed by the Eaton fire, and several Nazarene church members across the region also lost their homes. Some churches have opened their doors to provide shelter to evacuees. As containment continues, Nazarene leaders in the area will assess the needs of each congregation and church member impacted.

*How You Can Help*

1. Pray

Pray for individuals, families, and congregations—for all who are suffering due to these ongoing wildfires. Pray for those who have lost their homes or businesses and those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray for first responders and all tasked with the monumental task of recovery. Pray for the homeless, the elderly, children, and those with health issues that make them more vulnerable to the upheaval a crisis like this brings. Pray for church leaders to have wisdom as they direct a compassionate response.

2. Give

Churches and individuals worldwide can provide support through the Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund at ncm.org/lafires

Donations will be used for immediate needs as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the United States -
Make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
17001 Prairie Star Pkwy
Lenexa, KS 66220
Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

In Canada -
Make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5
Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund.

10/17/2024

Lots of resources if you want to get to know NMI!

The Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the classical Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls....

03/28/2024

One of my favorite movies is Remember the Titans . It follows the story of a black football coach hired at a newly integrated high school in...

03/16/2024

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, The Church’s Pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.
In the introduction, The Pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.
'A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the pacific coast-he began. 'When a fast-approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore.
The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.'
The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.
The aged minister continued with his story, ‘grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a christian and he, also, knew that his son's friend was not. the agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. his body was never recovered.
By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth.
'The father,' he continued, 'knew his son would step into eternity with jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without jesus. therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. '
how great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. our heavenly father sacrificed his only
begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept his offer to rescue you and take hold of the life line he is throwing out to you in this service.' With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.
Thea pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. however, no one responded to the appeal.
Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side.
'That was a nice story,' politely stated one of them,'but I indon't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a christian.'
'Well, you've got a point there,' the old man replied,
glancing down at his worn bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face. he once again looked up at the boys and said, 'it sure isn't very realistic, is it? but, i'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his son for me.
you see.
I was that father and your Pastor is my son's friend.'

11/21/2023

NCM Magazine is now available!

10/24/2023

Everyday!

10/19/2023

10/14/2023

Remember to share ! You are Invited ! 💗

09/13/2023

We are so abundant that makes us like warm .

08/30/2023

04/09/2023

Alleluia !