PROJECTS
EURASIA
NCM Canada supports local church ministries of compassion worldwide. We invite you to promote and live "Compassion as a Lifestyle," by putting your, “Faith to Action,” as God leads. Churches are uniquely positioned and embedded into the fabric of the communities they belong to.
Livestock Project in Bangladesh
The church of the Nazarene was established in Bangladesh in 1992. Since then, it has been increasing greatly. Today, there are a total of 4 districts in Bangladesh. No district is the same. They each have their own social diversity, geographical challenges, local political situation and environmental considerations. That said, all districts struggle economically. When districts struggle, local churches are also affected.
In consultation with local and regional church leaders, a livestock project was developed and is being implemented in Bangladesh. It is considered an income-generating activity, which will ultimately offer financial support to the different districts of the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. As districts gain financial stability, they then support local churches with things like leadership development, church planting and strengthening of ministerial initiatives.
Through this project, livestock is purchased, and adequate housing is built so that local ministry leaders can practice animal rearing for a profit. Goats and ducks were chosen for this project. Goats and duck serve as meat, they can also produce milk, which is often encouraged as a nutritional option for young children, and they can offer an additional source of income.
All the profits are managed by the districts and its committees. In addition to supporting local churches and district initiatives, the profit obtained is used towards covering the costs of the project itself (maintenance of housing, purchase of more livestock, training, etc.).
Food Security in Nepal
Through a partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, NCM Canada funded a three-year project addressing food insecurity in Nepal. 90% of people in rural Nepal, Pachthar district, are small-scale farmers. They produce their own food to survive. As weather continues to become more and more unpredictable, local farmers are negatively impacted by extreme rains causing flooding and landslides.
The Food and Livelihood Improvement Project (FLIP) focus was to provide training in improved farming methods, address nutrition challenges, develop farmers groups, empower women in the workforce and provide agricultural inputs to support commercial farming. Farmers were able to participate in workshops that offered education in market linkages, organic pesticides, financial management, saving and loan groups, awareness of enhanced seeds and livestock management.
In year 1, participants were eating 1 to 2 meals a day consisting mostly of just rice. By year 3, participants were able to eat 3+ diverse meals a day. Some farmers have been able to produce enough crops to enter commercial farming which has improved their economic status. Participants are now able to cover household medical and school expenses which was once an ongoing challenge. Many women have also been able to start their own small business or have income-generating activities (IGA’s) that help support their families financially.
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Story
When visiting an Agriculture Group in Nepal, NCM Canada staff had the opportunity to discuss the benefit of forming Agriculture Groups and how they help to make communities more resilient. Through discussion, it was learned that many people in the project area fell victim to a microfinance corporation promising the community poverty alleviation. The company ended up stealing from them and disappearing. The communities trust in outside groups was shattered.
Since joining the FLIP project being implemented by NCM Nepal, the community’s perception of outside groups – in this case, the church - has changed for the better. The chair of the Agriculture Group expressed her gratitude towards the church (NCM) for their integrity in carrying out this project.
The Kirat religion, which is similar to animism, is the dominant religion in the project area. As ministries of compassion are being implemented, the perception of the church is gaining strength. In turn, with intentionality and over time, people seek to learn more about the church. Many times, it is the project staff who are the evangelists, leading people to Christ and linking them to a local church.
Nazarene Schools in Jordan
The Church of the Nazarene’s Schools in Jordan have been operating for more than 70 years. During these 7 decades, the school and church have served thousands of children and young people – helping them develop, grow and reach their potential.
During this period, churches in Jordan have been involved in multiple compassionate ministries initiatives – including the 1991 Gulf War refugee response, 2003 Iraqi invasion refugee response and the more recent 2011 and 2013 Syrian and Iraqi conflicts. Aside from these refugee response efforts, churches have run pre-schools and one church has experience doing adult learning (mainly English).
The Nazarene schools in Jordan serve children primarily of low to moderate-income families (many of which are refugees). NCM Canada has been supporting the schools with much needed repairs to the buildings, upgrades to meet Health & Safety/Child protect standards, and operational support.
Through the schools, and their relevant local churches, The Church of the Nazarene makes deep connections in the lives of children, their families and the wider communities.
"Nowadays Nazarene school is considered one of the best schools in the area. The school's aim is to show students that they are loved and in addition to this it encourages the students to improve their skills. This year the school made many activities in many fields such as the scientific field. The walls of the classrooms are painted with beautiful colors. The students feel very happy to be back to school." – School staff
Pastoral & Leadership Development in the Middle East
NCM Canada is supporting Pastor & Leadership development in the Middle East. A Nazarene-based curriculum offers 12-week courses through a hybrid (online and in-person) model. The goal is to prepare new pastors and leaders for ministry, with a special focus on serving communities that are marginalized and persecuted.
In 2023, the implementing church served 300 students. Online presence represented 19 different countries. 65 certificates of graduation were issued, and 40 new students were enrolled. 8 leaders have received a ministers license or were ordained.
