"Connecting a New Generation" Decadal Emphasis Global Task Force meets
Indianapolis
The Decadal Emphasis regional coordinators met with U.S. representatives on Monday, June 27. The world regions' coordinators are: Daphne Mathebula (Africa), Paul Coy (Asia-Pacific), Eduardo Donath (Caribbean), Heidi Bowes (Eurasia), Patricia Picavea (Mexico/Central America), and Tim McKeithen (South America). Coordinators delivered global reports and informed attendees of the variety of unique resources each uses within their respective regions. The U.S. representatives who attended were: Larry Bollinger, Mickey Cox, Gary Hartke, David W. Graves, Phil Hause, Wayne Nelson, and Margaret Tyler.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries International, Nazarene Youth International, and Children's Ministries are sponsoring the denominational decadal emphasis, Connecting a New Generation. At the 2001 General Assembly, the Board of General Superintendents declared 2002-2012 as a decade of emphasis on children and youth. Three new videos were released at this General Assembly. They include:
  • Did You Know? -a presentation of the gospel for children
  • Out of the Darkness—a presentation of the gospel for youth
  • You Wonder Why?—a short video clip to emphasize the importance of ministry to children and youth

Also, Nazarene Publishing House has made available a bookmark with a personal covenant on the back. This signed and dated bookmark is a covenant to make a difference in the lives of children and youth and to share their faith.

Lynda T. Boardman, chair, stated, “The biblical basis for this emphasis is Psalm 78:4, ‘We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.'" --SSM