It is difficult to be both prophetic and diplomatic at the same time. Nathan’s prophetic statement in 2 Samuel—which, in this case, proclaims God’s truth with clarity rather than predicting the future—is the kind of statement that is hard to speak and even harder to hear. The nature of most prophetic proclamations is directness, so how do we speak God’s truth diplomatically as Nathan did?

Diplomacy, at its best, describes a way of communicating that seeks to truly connect all of those involved.

True diplomacy does not avoid difficult truths.

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.

The first time I saw her at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, I liked her. As I entered the library, she looked up and smiled. Oh, not the business-as-usual smile, but that of a welcome, I-am-so-glad-you-came smile. "Hello, Tita (Aunt) Gen," she cheerfully greeted from behind the counter. She knew my name. I learned that she was Lilian "Luz" Tambongco, a licensed librarian and student at the seminary in the Philippines.

Luz is married to Adrian, or Andy as he is frequently called. They are both graduates of Visayan Nazarene Bible College in Cebu, Philippines.

I am a lifelong baseball fan. My family and I have been to all 30 major league baseball stadiums in the U.S. and Canada, and I have been involved in baseball—either as a player or a coach—since I was 6 years old. For those who are not baseball fans, I will share with you one of the key theological truths we can learn from this game: It is not how you start, but how you finish!

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."

Quick Stats*:?

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.