From the rainy trails leading to the Jimi Valley of Papua New Guinea (PNG), to the blistering heat of Middle Eastern deserts, General Superintendent W. Talmadge Johnson took the Sunday night service's audience on a spiritual travelogue to reveal the mission of the Sending God. Braving the mud, landslides, and torrential rains, the Johnsons, embraced by the Nazarenes of PNG, brought messages of hope, joy, and solidarity with the church that born out of the vision and effort of pioneer missionary John Bromley. As the son of Bromley rang the ancient bell belonging to his father, images of God's faithfulness and the steadfast commitment of pioneers who opened Nazarene mission fields played across the minds and hearts of Johnson's audience.

The touching letter of a 3rd grade girl, who listened as Johnson preached recently in New England, reminded everyone that God is still calling and sending missionaries to the harvest fields around the world. The sacred blend of humor, passion, and commitment was evidenced by the enthusiastic preaching of a general superintendent who has spent four years immersed in the mission and ministry of the Church of the Nazarene.

As Johnson revealed the note of a Chinese family who sacrificially gave $3,500 (U.S.) toward missional efforts in Iraq, the stage was set for the surprising announcement of the Church of the Nazarene's intention to make the nation of Iraq the church's 150th world area. Flanked by, Johnson, Louie E. Bustle, Lindell Browning, and Gustavo Crocker, General Superintendent Paul G. Cunningham made the exciting announcement. Standing on his left were three honored guests—two Iraqi pastors and a Jordanian pastor. As the Iraqi flag was waved in acknowledgment of the motion, members of the audience stood cheering and applauding this visionary action.
--NCN News