08 OCTOBER 2014 TWENTY SIXTH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY JOURNAL MAKING CHRIST LIKE DISCIPLES IN THE NATION HELD AT PIGG`S PEAK CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE SISWATI VERSION CONTENT 1. District Superintendent`s Report 2. District Advisory Board Report 3. District Finance Board Report 4. Financial Report 5. Audit Board Report 6. Ministerial Credentials Report 7. Ministerial Studies Report 8. Pensions Board Report 9. Property Board Report 10. N.Y.I. Report 11. N.M.I. Report 12. Sunday School Report
Transcript
08 OCTOBER 2014
TWENTY SIXTH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY JOURNAL
MAKING CHRIST LIKE DISCIPLES IN THE NATION
HELD AT PIGG`S PEAK CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
SISWATI VERSION
CONTENT
1. District Superintendent`s Report
2. District Advisory Board Report
3. District Finance Board Report
4. Financial Report
5. Audit Board Report
6. Ministerial Credentials Report
7. Ministerial Studies Report
8. Pensions Board Report
9. Property Board Report
10. N.Y.I. Report
11. N.M.I. Report
12. Sunday School Report
SWAZILAND NORTH NAZARENE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 2014
VENUAE : Pigg’s Peak church of the Nazarene
DATE : 08-10-2014
TIME : 08:00 A.M.
GREETINGS
General Superintendent Dr. E. Duarte, Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. M. Maluleka esteemed visitors to this district assembly, the Germen family, ministers of the Word of God, SDMI superintendent , NMI, NYI, presidents, members and delegates, may I greet you all in the most precious name of the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.
TESTIMONY
I will first thank God for having confidence in us as he did with Gideon when God saw him hiding in the cave. However, God never saw a coward in Gideon instead He saw a warrior somebody worthy to be trusted and also entrusted with certain responsibilities, we find this in Judges 6:12 where the angel of the Lord addressed Gideon as a mighty warrior. In verse 14 God instructed Gideon to go with the strength he had and save Israel out Midian’s hand. It is only if we allow God to be with us that our weakness will be converted into our strength and then become warriors that God can conquer through them. In Psalms 84:5, we see the sons of Korah who had got right and this is what they say “blessed are those whose strength is in you.”
DISTRICT REPORT
I am humbled again to present to you report number twenty six following the division of the districts in 1988. The reason why we keep on mentioning this is because it is necessary for the coming generations to know that the Church of the Nazarene penetrated the African Continent with the gospel in 1907 and in 1910 the Church of the Nazarene came to Swaziland. It is my twelfth report as a district superintendent in the Swaziland north district.
Here I am presenting a report which reflects on how the 43 churches of the district are performing. I am pleased again to report that 3 pastors from this district have been ordained as elders in the Church of the Nazarene in Manzini towards the end of last year and these pastors are as follows:
One has completed his ministerial studies from Southern Africa Nazarene University and that one is Pastor Jeremiah Mageba Gama. I would like to report that as a district we have been joined by two pastors from the Swaziland Central district. One of them is Pastor Calvin Masango who is pastoring at Mvembili Church of the Nazarene and Preacher Nhlanhla Dlamini who is at Rocklands Church of the
Nazarene. Still on ministerial issues, let me report to this assembly that Reverend Florence Londiwe Mkhonta (Chirwa) left the district to join her husband who is a district superintendent in South Africa and they are currently pastoring Arltha City Church of the Nazarene. Reverend Florence was pastoring at Jutjwa Church of the Nazarene. Reverend Jabulani Mncina who was pastoring at Mvembili has retired but the district has assigned him to pastor at Fontotje Church of the Nazarene.
As I did mention in our last year district assembly that as a district we had 22 ordained, today I am reporting that three more pastors have been ordained as elders, giving us a total of 25 elders instead of the 22 that was reported the previous assembly. In the previous assembly I reported 5 retirees, this year I am reporting 6 retirees. However five of the retirees are still serving in ministry as the assigned retirees due to the acute shortage of pastors faced by the district.
Out of the 43 churches in the district, 31 of them are pastored by trained ministers with 7 churches which are pastored by the student- pastors and 5 are taken care of by lay members. Currently as a district we have 5 licensed pastors. One licensed pastor joined the Swaziland East District after graduating from college. Fortunately for us one has completed his ministerial studies as I have already said earlier on that we have been also joined by two pastors from the Swaziland Central District which means today as a district we will be having 7 pastors who will be getting a district license.
Out of the total number of the district churches which is 43, 40 are self- supportive whereas 3 churches are still getting a subsidy from the district. This year we have organized only one church which is currently having 23 full members and 16 associate members. This church was organized on the 31-08-2014. Before its official organization this new church had been a wayside for Fontotje Church of the Nazarene. The newly organized church has been named after the area where it is located. It is called Luphikweni Church of the Nazarene. This then gives us a total of 44 churches in the Swaziland North district.
Church, I am grateful about the way you are paying the district budget. Your commitment in paying the budget has enabled the district to manage to buy two cows which were used in getting the land where two churches can build their structures. The two churches are Etsembeni and Khanyisani.
May I convey my sincere gratitude to their entire North district, to pastors, adults, the youth and even the children for supporting their district through the payment of the budget. Through your commitment we have managed as a district to operate without any problem. This has gone a long way, even the district car’s installment has been catered for without any problem.The utilities like water, electricity, telephone were paid timely. I am also glad that you have contributed towards the district’s project of putting up a shelter for Nhlalakahle Church of the Nazarene. You did the same even at eMangozeni a way side for Mshingishingini Church of the Nazarene. Right now we are focusing at Mbasheni’s wayside which is at Vusweni, brethren I request that we pray for these waysides to be reported in our next year’s assembly as organized churches.
In our prayers, let us pray to the Lord of harvest to raise more people who will be having the passion to start more waysides and also see them grow into preaching points. From preaching the waysides should grow and finally become new churches
in order for the district to grow because as our district grows more souls will be saved.
MEMOIRS
As a district we had been saddened by the demise of Mrs.Nomsa Magagula (nee Nkambule) who was a wife to Reverend Amos B. Magagula a pastor at Ntfonjeni Church of the Nazarene. Indeed we have suffered a heavy blow as a district. The Church did its level best in comforting Reverend Magagula and his immediate family members, relatives and even the members of Ntfonjeni Church of the Nazarene where Reverend Magagula is pastoring. Mrs. Magagula was not only a wife to Reverend A. Magagula but she was also a mother to the whole church at Ntfonjeni. We believe that God who knows everything will continue to comfort the Magagulas, I thank you.
DISTRICT MEETINGS
Let me commend you brethren for attending district meetings which are meant to help us to grow in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brethren, let us encourage and support one another so that we can all attend district meetings in numbers.
I would like to thank the children’s council for organizing and make it possible that even this year we could have our junior camp as a district. Still on the same token of appreciation, I would like to direct my vote of thanks to both the women’s and men’s ministries for their continually support to the junior camp through the offering they always take for the junior camp. There is a saying in Swazi which goes like this ‘the best time to train a child is at the child’s tender age.’ May I report to this assembly that one member gave a beast to be used in junior camp. As a district we would pass our sincere thanks to that member for doing what God told him. To me it is a sign that this member loves God hence it was easy for the member to be available when God looked for someone to provide meat in 2014 junior camp.
Brethren, let me also take this time to extend our apology as a district about things which did not happen the way you would have expected them to be, especially in our district retreats/ meetings. Let it be clear to anyone who might be hurting because of certain things which did not go the way he/she was expecting that it was not our intention to wrong anyone. This apology is also extended to members of the various district committees. You may agree with me that sometimes it happens that as you try to drive a nail using a hammer you can mistakenly hit your finger nail. The only thing I will encourage you to do, is to continue in doing the right thing (Galatians 6:9-10).
DISTRICT’S TEN OBJECTIVES
1. To receive at least 500 new members into district membership each and every year;
Last year newly received members Lost members Total
2904 179 80 3003
2. At least 5 should respond positively to God’s call so that they can start preparing themselves to go and take their ministerial course of study. Two have indicated that God has called them and they are preparing to go and take their ministerial studies and we thank God about the two.
3. To grow financially to a tune of E500 000-00. Last year’s report indicated that we dropped with E53 818-88.
4. To have at least three completed structures annually, due to financial constraints there is no complete structure at the moment, even the four structures are at the roofing level.
5. To have at least 500 new members who will actively support the mission of the Church financial and otherwise.
Last year New members Decrease This year
2761 - 278 2483
The Mission of the Church of the Nazarene of making Christ like Disciples in the nations has the implication of bringing knowledge as the gospel is concerned as well taking care of people’s social needs.
6. To have an increment of at least 1000 new registered members in the SDMI department annually.
Last year New Members Lost This year
4838 - 429 3809
7. To have at least 500 new NYI members, let us do our level best in winning young people into Christ.
Last year New members Lost This year
1590 400 37 1953
8. To settle the district van’s installment which now stands at E67 730-00.
9. To come up with strategies of raising money so that our district can be well represented at the General Assembly and in the general Conventions in 2017.
10. To invite all district members to attend the district meetings without fail.
Our objectives as a district are neither reduced nor added, they still stand as they were last year because we have not met them.
CHALLENGES
The latest date to submit a report to the district is on the 15th of the following
month. The late submission of reports to the district is affecting our reporting as a
district, especially our figures. No wonder some of the churches can see some of
the figures reflecting their last year’s report which is not a true reflection of the
current state of that particular church. Even the SDMI records are not correct.
Sometimes you find that what is recorded down is not clear for one to read it with
understanding or else you find that it has been cancelled in such a way that you
cannot even detect what was written there. May I extend a formal request that our
recordings must be clear so that whosoever read it can capture the information as
tabulated in the district form.
The reporting form in particular on the financial part, the money which has been
remitted to the district has to be recorded as per the percentages which are
indicated in that form. This makes it easier to the one who will be working on the
annual financial records. Another challenge with the forms is that some are sent to
the district without the signature of the pastor. In the coming assembly which is
2015, we will be forced to request both the pastors and their churches whose
forms might be having some gaps which are not filled to explain to the assembly
why have they not adhere to the instructions as written in the form.
CONCLUSION
May I extend my gratitude to all pastors who are working in this district, to all
members of the district; children, youth and adults, the district Advisory board and
also all other committees/boards including even those boards that are for the
SDMI, NMI, NYI. I also want to thank both my secretary and the district one for
being helpful to me as I do the work of the Lord. I also want to thank my family for
being supportive to me, may the Lord richly bless you. I thank you.
Report presented by : Rev. Philemon P. Dlamini
(DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT)
ADVISORY BOARD REPORT FOR 2013-2014
PREAMBLE
Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator, District Superintendent, Pastors,
SDMI President, NYI President, NMI President and all protocol observed, I greet you
all in the name of the Almighty Jesus Christ.
TESTIMONY
It is my first priority to be the servant of Christ and be “part of the new self,
sealed to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD
For the year 2013-2014, the District Advisory Board was constituted by:-
1. Rev. P.P. Dlamini - Chairman (DS)
2. Rev. M.T. Ndwandwe - Member
3. Rev. E.S. Simelane - Member
4. Rev. B.T. Dlamini - Member
5. Mr. S.M. Ndwandwe - Member
6. Mr. B.W. Vilakati - Member
7. Mr. M.D. Gama - Secretary
8. Mrs. K. Magagula - Treasurer
BOARD MEETINGS
The District Advisory Board met nine (9) times during the year. Out of the
nine (9) meetings, four (4) were scheduled while the balance of five (5) were
special.
During the first scheduled meeting, members elected Mr. M.D. Gama and
Mrs. K. Magagula to be the secretary and treasurer respectively. The Board further
elected Mr. B.W. Vilakati, Mr. S.M. Ndwandwe and Rev. M.T. Ndwandwe to join the
District Superintendent to represent the North District in the National Board.
The five (5) special meetings were requested by the chairman (DS) to report
some problems with some of our churches. The Advisory Board would like to thank
the Almighty for the support. Otherwise, the five (5) special meetings wouldn’t
have come out with positive solutions. Our appreciation also goes to the members
who were involved in the special meetings’ discussions for their understanding.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty for being with us
during the execution of our duties. Had it not been for His grace, we would have
not come up with the positive results. My thanks also go to the District
Superintendent who has been an inspiration to me. Members of the Board also
contributed a lot to the achievements of the Advisory Board. The District Office
secretary, Mrs. K. Magagula worked tirelessly in support of the Advisory Board.
Finally, I would like to thank my wife and children for allowing me to share their
time with me with the Board’s activities.
I now request the programme director to allow the finance, audit,
ministerial credential, ministerial studies, pensions, property Boards and the
treasurer as outlined in the programme to give the details pertaining to their
respective boards.
I thank you all.
Mr. Maqhawe David Gama
(District Secretary)
SWAZILAND NAZARENE NORTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 2013/2014
Introduction:
I hereby greet delegates of the district assembly in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. I thank the Lord His love, mercy and patience and for giving me opportunity to work
for Him whilst I still have the ability to do so.
Key Objectives for 2013/2014:
To agree annual budget for the district assembly for the church year 2013/2014
To ensure the vehicle loan repayment model is working effectively
To finalise finance policy
Progress Review:
District Budget – E593, 890 was received from local churches during the year which
reflected an increase of E207, 440 when compared to the previous year.
The bulk of the increase reflected in the report is partly receipts for NMI ministries of E80,
428 being the 5.5% of tithes and offering, which was not part of the figure reflected in last
year’s report; this was reported in the NMI ministries report. Without the NMI ministries
contribution, district budgets increased by E127, 012.
The district budgets received from local churches this year exceeded the targeted E500,
000. Had all local churches consistently remitted budgets and in total we could have
exceeded the annual budgets target by higher margins.
This year, all local churches made a contribution towards district budgets. Thirty (30)
contributed consistently for the full twelve months, none did not contribute at all. This is
pleasing transformation when compared to the previous year.
It is was observed that some local churches seem to miscalculate district budgets by
applying the percentage to be contributed for the district assembly budgets after having
deducted the monthly expenses i.e. calculate district budgets net of local church expenses
instead of the gross of contributions received by the local church.
Local churches are kindly encouraged to keep to the policy of the church on the calculation
of district budgets.
The issue on some local churches not submitting district budgets consistently; monthly and
by the stipulated date still stands.
Budgets being received by the district office on time and monthly fall short of the standard
district office monthly expenses. This matter was previously over the past few years been
reported to this district assembly. This problem creates cash flow timing difficulties for the
district office. The 15th of each month set as the deadlines for the submission of district
budgets is not workable for the district office since a lot of the district office expenses are
expected to be settled by the first week of the following month.
Another strain which continues to be heavy on the district office budget is that of the financial
support the district office offers to pastors of newly established churches. This year, E19,
200 was spent towards pastor’s financial support. This represented an increase of E5, 000
when compared to the previous year. The district office has to fund the payments from the
16% district office budget. Unfortunately the district office cannot cease such payments since
this would jeopardise the efforts to plant new churches in the district.
Further, the district office pays E100 per church on behalf of local churches membership
fees to the Swaziland Conference of Churches. For the coming year local churches will
requested to reimburse the district office for the membership fees.
Vehicle Loan Repayment – Cash received from local churches for the vehicle repayments
fund was E65, 646, an increase of E20, 239 from the previous year. The increase is applaud
able nonetheless there are still some churches which are still behind in contributions relative
to the payment plan given to all churches three year ago. The finance committee would like
to take this opportunity to encourage those churches which are behind to catch up with the
payment plans.
Total payments paid to the bank amounted to E103, 996. Outstanding balance towards full
settlement is E67, 730. If the church could increase efforts on payments the balance could
be fully paid off by the end of the new church year. Full payment on the vehicle loan would
not necessarily mean those churches behind on the payment programme would need to
cease payments but would need to continue payments to close the gaps created in other
funds as a result of inconsistent and non payments by some local churches
Finance Policy – Drafting the policy was completed. However, this was not presented to the
district advisory board. All efforts will be made to ensure this is presented very early in the
new church year to ensure the policy becomes effective immediately thereafter.
A workshop is being organised where the audit committee, ministries chairpersons and
treasurers will be inducted on the policy.
Savings Account foe DS house renovation – A savings account has been opened to keep
receipts from renting out the DS’s house. The savings will be used for the renovating the
same house, mainly the roofing.
The finance committee intends to keep this account even after the house has been
renovated as it had been previously proposed that the district office does need to retain
some funds for claw back during difficult times or for special projects.
Proposal for approval by the District Assembly
1. The finance committee proposes that the district assembly agree to move the
deadline for submission of monthly district budgets from the 15th to the 5th of each
month.
2. The finance committee proposes that the district assembly agree increase district
budgets by 1% to 26% and allocate the 1% to a fund which would assist pastors of
newly established local churches who are still not in a position to fully support their
pastors.
3. The finance committee proposes that the district assembly agree that local churches
reimburse the district assembly for the annual membership fees paid on behalf of
churches to the Swaziland Conference of Churches
Conclusion – The finance committee thanks all local churches who have faithfully supported
the district office by remitting the correct budgets and on time. We also would like to thank
the district ministries that support the district office when in cash flow challenges.
Report by
Mr. Bongani W. Ndwandwe
Chairperson – Finance Committee
SWAZILAND NORTH NAZARENE DISTRICT
YEAR 2013-2014 FINANCIAL REPORT
INCOME DESCRIPTION (AMT. E) EXPENDITURE DESCRIPTION (AMT. E)
Balance 19 594-01 Office operation 15 897-20
District budget (25%) 593 889-53 District boards 45 081-25
Rent (Tent) 2 600-00 Pastor’s travel 19 200-00
Confer. Of churches 500-00 Pension 50 540-00
Pastor’s retreat 17 470-00 Electricity 8 053-00
District car 65 646-10 District car fuel & maint. 46 836-80
Vehicle payment 103 995-85
Salaries 183 161-50
Water 4 159-55
Telephone 10 038-90
Building material
(Temporal structure) 37 620-40
Conference of churches 7 800-00
Bible College 33 700-00
N.M.I. (5.5%) 80 428-41
Rates (Town council) 2 209-50
Loan (NMI) 5 000-00
Pastor’s retreat 20 845-00
Bank charges 9 877-55
TOTAL 684 444-91
Balance c/d 15 254-73
TOTAL 699 699-64 699 699-64
Balance b/f 15 254-73
CURRENT ACCOUNT - 15 254-73
SAVINGS ACCOUNT - 18 310-69 (DISTRICT HOUSE RENT)
DISTRICT BUDGET PAID BY CHURCHES
CHURCH NAME DISTRICT BUDGET PAID (AMT. E)
1. Bhalekane 22 974-89
2. Bulandzeni 6 575-74
3. Bulembu 3 121-80
4. Ekuthuleni 1 412-85
5. Emseni 1 359-34
6. Emtfuntini 3 155-20
7. Endzingeni 63 125-67
8. Etsembeni 1 328-35
9. Fontotje 12 479-80
10.Hhelehhele 12 869-80
11.Jutjwa 27 406-55
12.Lubisana 11 092-11
13.Lugongodlwane 10 232-00
14.Luhlangotsini 630-64
15.Manjengeni 3 796-94
16.Mavula 4 146-71
17.Mayiwane 7 583-25
18.Mbasheni 28 565-71
19.Mgungundlovu 11 280-90
20.Mhlangatane 4 271-85
21.Millsite 20 593-92
22.Mphondla 9 931-95
23.Mpumalanga 1 327-57
24.Mpofu 1 293-23
25.Mshingishingini 34 088-51
26.Mvembili 71 633-77
27.Mzimnene 2 461-90
28.Ndlalambi 39 198-11
29.Nginamadvolo 7 234-29
30.Ngowane 3 069-70
31.Nhlalakahle 2 015-47
32.Nhlanguyavuka 6 726-22
33.Njaliba 5 810-15
34.Ntfonjeni 21 969-46
35.Ntintinyane 18 658-10
36.Nyakatfo 227-63
37.Ntandweni 5 810-15
38.Pigg’s Peak 52 622-18
39.Rocklands 6 841-00
40.Timphisini 14 539-80
41.Vusweni 17 377-30
42.Zinyane 576-15
43.Khanyisani 12 472-87
TOTAL 593 889-53
DISTRICT CAR PAID BY CHURCHES
CHURCH NAME BALANCE FOR 2013 PAID DIFFERENCE/OWING
The Auditing Board was able to conduct two (2) audits for the four district office
departments (District Office Main Accounts, Nazarene Youth International Ministries,
Sunday School Discipleship Ministries and Nazarene Mission International). These two (2)
audits were conducted in March 2014-midyear review and September 2014 for end of
financial year.
The review exercises of the financial records were conducted to ensure that previous
year’s audit recommendations were considered and implemented to improve the
management of funds for the district which is the key focus area for the District Audit
Board.
Four recommendations were presented in last year’s audit report, and the Board had the
duty to ensure and verify that the recommendations were implemented by the District
Finance Board and departments Treasurers. The observations and recommendations made
during the audit reviews are summarized as follows:
C. Observations:
1. Claim forms are not properly administered by the user departments, i.e. signed by
Treasurer and / or Chairperson of the Committee/Board for approval. One form did not
even have the name of claimant which made it even hard to allocate it to the right
expense category, yet money was paid out.
2. Hand-over for new elected officers delayed which result in some funds not being
properly accounted for. This leads to officers to deny responsibility of such expenses and
leave them un-accounted for. Delayed change of signatories for newly elected officers is
another contributor for the un-accounted funds.
3. All four (4) District Office Treasurers have managed to prepare bi-annual and annual
financial reports which can be improved to give a good picture of how the district funds
are being managed when considering the financial accounting principles and practices,
although some did not reconcile due to un-accounted funds. Cash was not deposited to the
bank before being used which leads to difficulty in reconciliations for accuracy of the
reports.
4. There is lack of proper filling for the departments’ supporting documentation, i.e
monthly income and expenditure files. This makes it difficult to review the financial
information as expense receipts did not match the amount withdrawn and deposits not
easily traceable.
5. South African coins are accumulating in the district office received from local churches
as district budgets. This money cannot be deposited into the country banks as Lilangeni is
the only legal tender and the amount kept in the office has reached R969.00 during the
first week of September 2014. This is a risk to the office/officer(s).
6. The district office has two bank accounts with the Swazi bank which are not being
utilized for any transaction over the year under review. Recommendation is that these
accounts be closed and transfer the cash to the current account being used with Standard
Bank to avoid the charges incurred as administration fees/ bank charges.
D. Recommendations:
1. The district office needs to ensure that the development of the finance policies and
internal controls is well supported and given the priority it deserves to improve finance
management operations within the district. This will help to ensure that even signatories
to the bank accounts are the incumbent officers serving during the year under review.
2. Treasures must be encouraged to formulate budgets to guide the spending pattern for
their departments and ensure that work is monitored and reviewed regularly. This can also
help to ensure that the bank reconciliation statements are done and reviewed on a
monthly basis.
3. The Finance Board needs to organize district quarterly workshops or forums for all
treasurers including the local churches for training on how finances should be properly
managed and review the progress for implementation of the recommendations from such
meetings.
4. The District Office needs to make good use of the talent that is available in the finance
field from its membership to add value by contributing with the set of skills required in
finance management particularly when making appointments in the Treasurer Offices and
District Finance Board. It is easy to train officers who are specialist in the finance field
because they have a better understanding of the condition of the district finances and
contribute positively on what improvements need to be made when it comes to the issues
of financial management.
5. The district needs to consider to have petty cash that could be used on a daily basis and
float determined as well as how often to be replenished to suit the office operations to
avoid using money before it is deposited into the relevant bank accounts.
E. Conclusion:
The Auditing Board is very much delighted to commend department Treasurers for the
effort they have put in improving the operations of their offices, particular attention being
drawn to the formulation of income and expenditure statements. May the Almighty God
bless them all for the good work done! Thank you.
Report Presented By:
Mr. Bongani Mngomezulu
SWAZILAND NORTH DISTRICT CREDENTIALS MINISTERIAL
REPORT 2013-2014
PREAMBLE - The General Superintendent, Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator, District Superintendent, Pastors, SDMI President, NMI President, NYI President, delegates to the assembly and all protocol observed, I greet you in the name of the almighty Jesus Christ.
REPORT - The Credentials board consists of the following members;
1. Rev. S. Ndwandwe - (Chairperson) 2. Rev. S. Lulane - (Secretary) 3. Rev. J. Mncina 4. Rev. S. Msimango 5. Rev. J. Dlamini 6. Rev. T. Sikhondze 7. Rev. P. P. Dlamini
The committee has met three times to discuss issues that pertain different pastors. The discussion went well although some of the issues have not been concluded because of time factor, but we believe we shall conclude them through God’s assistance.
DISTRICT LICENCE - The committee agreed that the following pastors will receive District license after filling the forms;
1. Pr. Samuel Gcina Dlamini 2. Pr. Bongani Abednigo Shabangu 3. Pr. Gcina Collen Dlamini 4. Pr. Maureen Mamba 5. Pr. Mageba Gama 6. Pr. Nkosingiphile Mohale 7. Pr. Calvin Masango 8. APPRECIATION - As a committee we thank God for his faithfulness, we also
like to thank the District Superintendent for his guidance. We also like to appreciate our families for assisting us as we embark in the work of the Lord. On behalf of the chairperson we like to thank the committee for its cooperation. May the Lord bless you.
Report by
S. B. Lulane
Rev. Siboniso B. Lulane
(MABHALANE)
SWAZILAND NAZARENE NORTH DISTRICT MINISTERIAL STUDIES BOARD
REPORT 2013/14
SALUTATION
General Superintendent Rev Eugenio R. Duarte, District Superintendent Rev P.P.
Dlamini, Pastors, all district board members, all delegates from local churches and
the entire house, I greet you all in the name of the lord Jesus Christ.
TESTIMONY
‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’. I love Jesus. He is the
savior of my life. I am determined to continually and faithfully serve Him.
Ministerial Studies Board is responsible for pastors’ life long learning to ensure that
the objective of the Church of the Nazarene to have educated ministers is
observed. This in turn helps local pastors to be relevant to the people among whom
they live and work alongside the continual changes that take place in the world. It
further improves pastors’ future effectiveness to handle future challenges with
better knowledge, ability and character whatever their context.
REPORT
Ministerial Studies Board had 4 meetings this year. In all the meetings matters
related to the committee were discussed and these are the following:
1. Elections of the board’s secretary and treasurer and preparations of pastors
long quarters meeting
2. Deliberations on student pastors’ letters of request for ministerial
assignment
3. Meeting student pastors in preparation for ministerial assignments
4. Final preparations for long pastors quarter
It is a great pleasure and honor to report that the pastors long quarter meeting was
a success. The meeting took place on the 19-22 August 2014 at Gesawu Lutheran
Church center. The pastors’ attendance was very good. The overall attendance was
35 including 10 pastors’ couples. There were few pastors who did not come. In the
meeting we were blessed by powerful sermons and teachings. Rev P.P. Dlamini was
the guest preacher and Rev S. Ndwandwe was a guest teacher. The topic for the
lesson was ‘A HEALTH CHURCH PRODUCES A HEALTH PASTOR’. The emphasis was
that pastors should put a maximum effort to make their churches alive so that in
turn they can be lively and prosperous. Pastors were blessed and inspired. I wish to
pass my sincere gratitude to all local churches that assisted their pastors with
finances to attend the quarter. Local Churches were informed very late about the
long pastors’ quarter; nevertheless, they were able to pay the money as per the
request. May our great God richly bless you.
We are blessed that we currently have four students in the Facutly of Theology
preparing for ministerial duties. These are the following: Bheki Mkhontfo, Bheki
Mamba, Kenneth Pato, Nhlanhla Dlamini. We are so grateful to report that Mduduzi
Khoza, Maureen Mamba and Mpile Mohale have since finished their studies and we
anticipated for their graduation very soon. These are indeed good news to our
district.
SUGGESTION
1. We urge affording churches to assist pastors in their lifelong learning
attempts. Some pastors are willing to further their studies but they lack
finances.
THANKSGIVING
Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to thank the following for support given
through the year of labour. Thanks giving firstly go to God to open for me an
opportunity to serve him. Second, I thank my family for being kind and supportive.
I further thank Rev P.P Dlamini for guidance and counsel during the course of the
year. I cannot forget the team I am working with for being a blessing throughout
the year of labour. May the lord bless you.
REPORT BY
___________________
Rev Sibusiso P. Masilela
(Chairperson of the Board)
SWAZILAND NAZARENE NORTH DISTRICT PENSION BOARD
08 OCTOBER 2014
PIGGS PEAK, 0800 HOURS
A. Board Members:
1. Mr Maqhawe D. Gama (Chairperson)
2. Mr B. Mngomezulu (Secretary)
3. Mr Richard Dlamini (Member)
4. Rev Elizabeth Simelane (Member)
5. Rev James Gumedze (Member)
6. Rev Bheki Kunene (Member)
7. Rev P.P Dlamini (Ex-Officio Member)
B. Introduction:
The Pension Board is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that pastors have a positive
life after service in ministry. Positive life in this case means that pastors should not be
unwelcome. The Board’s business is to give members peace of mind about their financial
security after retirement. This is done by making sure all funds are responsibly invested
and accounted for, and that benefits are paid out efficiently, accurately and on time. The
Pension Board is working towards making sure that this mandate is achieved.
The Board is grateful to the all Mighty God for the wonderful guidance because without
Him the attentive task can not be achieved.
C. Report:
- Alexander Forbes is the Swaziland Church of the Nazarene Pension Fund Administrator
where the North District is a member. The National Pension Fund Board of Trustees was
formed to work closely with Alexander Forbes in managing the day to day affairs of the
fund. The Board of Trustees is headed by Dr Mkhwanazi for the Central District as
Chairperson, Mr M.D Gama and Rev B.T Kunene from the North district serve as vice
chairperson and secretary respectively.
- The Board has maintained the constant monthly contribution E140.00 per member
throughout the year under review. The Board was not able to effect the proposed review
of 1.5% increase towards member contributions because there was no improvement in the
budgets remittance to the district office even after several attempts were made to ensure
local churches submit their budgets on a monthly bases. Monthly premiums have been
remitted to the administrator and this means that our remittances to the fund are up to
date.
- The total remittances for the year under review were E50, 540.00.
D. Challenges:
1. Late payment of district budget. The monthly pension contributions come from the
district budget from local churches – 4.5% of the total budget. District budgets are
sometimes paid three months late where as the pension contributions must be paid
monthly. The case becomes worse when some local churches do not remit any monies as
district budget to the office yet their pastors are members of the pension fund. The Board
is requesting local church pastors to review the monthly finance reports to ensure
correctness and accuracy of the calculations for the district budget.
2. The Board has been advised to comply with the rules and regulations as given by the
administrator which requires that each member of the fund contributes 9% of earnings
towards the fund. The proportions for contributions being 6.5% from the employer (Local
Church) and 2.5% from the member. This means that every member must declare the
amount earned monthly. Local church Treasurers must ensure that the 2.5% is deducted
from each member of the fund. This needs to be effected in November 2014 to ensure
compliance with the rules and regulations as provided.
3. The church needs to understand the impact of not remitting the district budgets on
time as it affects one member of the fund but negatively impact all the members in the
scheme as the fund has an insurance cover. All contributions are expected to stick to the
deadline set by the administrator which is the 7th of each month.
4. The delays in the payment of member’s pension which is as a result of the process of
verification by the Swaziland Revenue Authority tasked with ensuring that all statutory
taxes are paid to government by all persons who are expected to do so. The District
Pension Board request that all pastors comply with all government requirements in order
to avoid any delays caused when validating the information for each member at
retirement. All local churches must be registered with the Swaziland Revenue
Authority for all taxes and Swaziland National Provident Fund which is a statutory
requirement.
E. Conclusion:
May the all Mighty God be with you as you work harder to address the above mentioned
challenges during the year 2014/2015. It is worth noting that the district objective is to
make the life of our pastors bright after retirement.
Presented By:
Mr. Bongani Mngomezulu
For Pension Board Secretary
SWAZILAND NORTH DISTRICT PROPERTY BOARD REPORT 2014
Since I became a Christian I do not regret God has done great things for me, I want
to be faithful to him and to serve him till he calls me.
Board Members
Rev. J. S. Mncina (Chairman)
Rev. P. P. Dlamini (D.S. North)
Rev. S. Lulane (Member)
Mr. S. M. Ndwandwe (Member)
Mr. J. W. B. Vilakati (Secretary)
Meetings
As a board we have met once, because of shortage of funds.
Visits to churches
We have managed to visit 14 churches this year to see the progress of the
work.
As a board we apologize to these churches because they were not informed
of our visit, it was not to take them surprise (kunituma), it was because of
time and money.
The board will inform the churches concerned of our findings and
recommendations.
Churches under Constructions
Mvembili church of the Nazarene
Jutjwa church of the Nazarene
Emtfuntini church of the Nazarene
Mpumalanga church of the Nazarene
Mavula church of the Nazarene
Ntintinyane church of the Nazarene
Nhlanguyavuka church of the Nazarene
Nginamadvolo church of the Nazarene
Mgungundlovu church of the Nazarere
Other Projects under Construction
Lugongodlwane is building a store room and Sunday School class, they have
just finished building a veranda in the parsonage.
Njaliba – The parsonage is almost finished and the toilet is still under
construction.
Ndzingeni – They are almost through with the toilets.
Completed Projects
Nhlalakahle temporal church house is finished, they are using it.
Emngozeni (wayside for Mshingishingini) is finished, they too are using it.
Projects to be Started Soon
Nyakatfo Nazarene church will soon build a water born toilet and new church
house.
Etsembeni has been given a place to build the church house.
Our Requests
We are asking all of you to pray for these projects to be finished.
Churches that do not have projects at hand, they can assist other sister
churches in any way they are able to give help.
All those churches that are building anything ‘PLEASE’ inform and invite this
board to your church to see if everything is done the right way. May God
bless you.
Report By:
J. W. B. Vilakati
(Secretary)
SWAZILAND NAZARENE NORTH DISTRICT : SDMI SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
…………………………Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations ……………………. ‘Matt. 28:19-20’ We the church of the Nazarene, we are not recipient of the great commission but also the participants of it.
Greetings
Swaziland North Nazarene District superintendent Rev. P. P. Dlamini, minister of the word of God (NMI, NYI) presidents esteemed delegates, visitors, may I greet you all in the most precious name “Jesus Christ”.
Testimony
I thank God for his care and protection in Psalm 23 king David says” The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want………” really he has been a good shepherd in my life.
QUADRENIAL THEME: Making Christ disciples in all nation.
People of prayer “Engage in the word making Christ like disciples”
THE REPORT
This is my fourth report in again humbled to present my report in this portfolio. I feel greatly honoured and again humbled to present my report before you. SDMI council has 26 members inclusive of our DS who is an ex officio member in our district, we have 43 churches. My report reflects the activities of SDMI and how the 43 churches perfomed.
SDMI OBJECTIVES;
1. To enroll at least 1000 new members which translate that each church enroll 24 new members. We failed to achieve this objective see statistic below;
Last year New enrolled Lost This year
4838 - 429 3809
We believe this coming year we shall be able to achieve it.
2. Monthly submission of report forms, this year we are almost got it right. 37 churches submitted their report while last year we have 31 dully submitted. We thank the pastors for that, only 3 churches failed to submit even one report form, to them we are saying “we love you, please come on board”.
3. Workshops and mini-workshops – We only had one district workshop, we had planned to have zonal mini-workshop but we could not, because of financial matters. But we hope next year we are going to achieve this objective.
4. SDMI LOCAL CHURCHES SUPERINTENDENTS MEETINGS – This year we have had 3 of these meetings and the attendance was quite well.
5. To grow financially in SDMI budget to over E30,000-00, indeed we were able to achieve it. This year we collected E37,770-17, we hope next year the sky will be the limit.
6. Retreats – we were able to hold women’s, men’s, and children’s retreats only our adults and pastors wife retreats failed to take off.
7. Church visitation – I visited four churches although it was not for SDMI purpose, but when I reach there, I observe as to how the programs of SDMI are done. The four churches are;
Bhalekane church of the Nazarene Millsite church of the Nazarene. Endzingeni church of the Nazarene Rockland church of the Nazarene
Note this year I encouraged the churches through;
Letters Presentation of a checklist form. Dialoguing with superintendent of local churches.
Conclusion;
My sincere gratitude goes to my district superintendent, all pastors, SDMI board members, council, my family for their moral spiritual support, may the God bless you all.
Report Presented By;
Richard Dlamini
(SDMI SUPERINTENDENT)
SWAZILAND NORTH DISTRICT NYI CONVENTIONS 2014
DISTRICT NYI PRESIDENT’S REPORT
13 SEPTEMBER 2014, PIGG’S PEAK CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for
the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12
1. PREAMBLE:
The District Superintendent of the Swaziland North District-Rev P.P Dlamini, Pastors, SDMI President, Nazarene Mission International President, District NYI Ministry Council, delegates of the District NYI Ministry Convention from local churches and our valued visitors, may I greet you all in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ.
2. TESTIMONY:
I am very much grateful to the Almighty God who has kept me this far whilst leading the NYI Ministries in the District. My heart is always eager to learning and being directed by the Lord as the Psalmist in the book of Psalms 25:4-5, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long”. I am so much delighted because I have received the necessary support from all the District Structures to make the work of the NYI Ministries a success and do it in a better way than before.
3. THEME:
2013 - 2017 = Making Christ like Disciples in the Nations. (Mathew 28:19-21)
BE – EVANGELISM
DO – DISCIPLESHIP
GO – LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
4. REPORT:
This year I am presenting my fifth (5) report while serving the District in the office of District NYI President. The district has had eighteen (18) council members including the District Superintendent who is an ex-officio member in the council. The district is subdivided into three zones namely; Mayiwane Zone with twenty one (21) local churches, Ntfonjeni Zone with eight (8) local churches and Piggs Peak Zone with fourteen (14) local churches giving a total of fourty three (43) local churches.
Executive Committee
NAME POSITION LOCAL CHURCH TELEPHONE
1. Mr Bongani NYI President Mshingishingini +268 7602 8385
Mngomezulu
2. Miss Tsabile Methula
NYI Vice President Lubisana +268 7668 5734
3. Mr Mike Shongwe
NYI Secretary Vusweni +268 7624 9316
4. Khuzulwandle Nxumalo
NYI Treasurer Ndlalambi +268 7637 5035
5. Pst Mageba Gama
Mayiwane Zone Leader
Khanyisani +268 7604 9222
6. Mr Sotja Dlamini Ntfonjeni Zone Leader
Ntfonjeni +268 7615 3759
7. Mr Lucky Dlamini
Piggs Peak Zone Leader
Pigg’s Peak +268 7614 6544
DIRECTORS
8. Mrs Bahle Lukhele
Literature Director Khanyisani +268 7605 3861
9. Miss Nondumiso Methula
Bible Quiz Director Mavula +268 7677 9097
10. Mrs Hlengiwe Methula
Evangelism Director Lugongodlwane +268 7660 5920
11. Miss Nokuthula Mhlanga
Impact Team Director
Mavula +268 7651 6587
12. Rev Siboniso Lulane
Camp Director Vusweni +268 7613 3427
13. Mr Dumsani Ndwandwe
Sports Director Fontotje +268 7676 7307
14. Bonginkhosi Mhlanga
Music Director Mavula +268 7605 4575
15. Miss Buyisile Ndlovu
Age Group 12-14 Years
Vusweni +268 7696 9601
16. Miss Hlonphile Fakudze
Age Group 15-18 Years
Mayiwane +268 7608 5417
17. Mrs Sthembile Vilakati
Age Group 19 yrs & above
Ntintinyane +268 7623 5737
5. DISTRICT NYI GOALS FOR THE YEAR 2013 / 2014:
a) Increase in district NYI membership by a minimum of two hundred (200) members and statistics are as follows: 2013 Increase Decrease 2014 1,871 82 0 1,953
This objective has not been met although figures from local churches indicate an increase of 82 members. Statistics for one local church were not received.
b) District NYI Ministry Budget; Receive the 40% budget of not less than E500.00 from each local church which will give the total budget of not less than E25, 000.00. This objective was not achieved even though total cash shows an increase when compared to last year’s figures, but the 40% budget has decreased.
Number of local churches who remitted E500.00 or more => 14
Funds received in 2013 => E24, 307.03
Funds received in 2014 => E38, 086.61
Increase in cash received => E13, 779.58
c) Zonal Workshops: The goal of having atleast one zonal workshop for the local NYI chairpersons was not achieved yet it was evident during the year that these workshops are greatly needed. The greatest number of local churches seems not to understand what is required of the NYI Ministries such that even local church council members are not elected even the local church NYI Chairperson. Another contributing factor for this goal not to be achieved is lack of financial support from local churches to cover the cost of such meetings.
d) Zonal Camps: All three (3) zones in the district managed to have zonal camps meaning that this goal was achieved. It is very much encouraging to note that the standard in organizing such meeting is improving each year which make it easier for the district council to measure the impact of these meetings to our membership.
e) Sports: The district has managed to organize a sports day which was held in May 2014 at Pigg’s Peak Correctional Services Sports Ground in the Pigg’s Peak Zone bringing together all three zones. Members who attended this event were 248 from all three age groups. We are grateful to God to make this day a success even though the council had planned for more than three hundred members. NYI members who participated in last year’s activity were 125. It is the district council’s wish that even local churches can use sports as one of our program to employ for the Evangelism campaign as it has been evident that young people like sports creating a good platform to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
f) Bible Quiz Ministry: the goal has been achieved as we had the district competition and our district team manage to participate in the National completion organized by the National Bible Quiz Coordinating Committee competing with the other districts of the country.
g) Monthly Reports: This goal was not achieved as there was not even one local church which submitted all twelve (12) reports for the year. There are seven (7) local churches that managed to bring atleast six to the maximum of ten reports.
NB: A majority of local churches have a challenge in reporting any achievement within the local church structures making it more difficult to report to the district. Some of the local churches do not have NYI Councils and NYI Chairpersons which also contribute to the difficulty of constructing a meaningful report to the local Church Board and District.
h) District NAYOHO: This object was achieved, district NAYOHO was held in December 2013 at Mshingishingini Church of the Nazarene. Members who attended this meeting were more than two hundred and thirty seven (237) coming from all three district zones. One of the greatest challenges encountered during the meeting was members who were not able to conduct themselves in a proper manner which resulted in disturbance to the programme affecting the proceedings of the entire meeting.
i) Global Convention 2013: The district was not able to send a member to the USA for this very important event, but two (2) members participated in the Africa South Field satellite station in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa to be part of the NYI General Church Convention. I would like to encourage local churches to start now making contributions to the delegate fund for the up-coming event.
j) Camp Meeting: NYI members do attend this meeting and numbers increase each year, the year under review saw more than six hundred (500) members attending to the meeting in all age groups.
6. CHALLENGES:
Members who have reached their 21st birthday and older are do not want to support NYI Ministry program and some of them end up disappearing from the local churches.
Local churches are not able to report to the district on a monthly basis, and those who manage to submit have report forms which are not properly completed which makes the report not accurate.
Some of the reports that are submitted to the district are not signed by local church pastors and some reports are signed by pastors but not properly completed with a lot of blank spaces if not blank in all the fields.
There is no proper coordination of events between NYI and Young Adults which leads to organizing events for the same group of people at the same times i,e Summer Camp.
NYI Chairpersons from local churches are not able to attend to district events due to lack of financial support and backing. Some local churches do not even have local NYI Councils making it difficult to conduct work of the various ministries.
7. GOALS
Win souls for Christ such that our district membership for NYI Ministries can increase by over two hundred (200) members.
Reach a target of E25, 000.00 or more in NYI Budgets for the year 2015. Send two delegates to the Global NYI Convention 2017. Organise one leadership training workshop in all three zones for NYI Minitries. Organize at least one sports day in all three zones and district level. Organise zonal camps in all three zones. Organize at least one Bible Quiz Ministry completion for all three zones and
district level. Request for time during pastors’ retreats and quarterly meetings to share on
how we can improve the operations of the NYI Ministries of our district. Encourage local churches to submit their reports on a monthly basis. Purchase camping materials/equipment to help youth during meetings (zonal
camps, NAYOHO) i,e sleeping matraces, catering materials etc.
8. DISTRICT EVENTS:
District NYI Ministry Workshop > 19 October 2014 (Pigg’s Peak Mission)
NAYOHO Camp > 11-14 December 2014 (Endzingeni Mission)
9. CONCLUSION:
Special thanks go to the District Superintendent – Rev P.P Dlamini, district NYI Council members, local church pastors and the entire district membership for the support received while serving in this office. I would also like to recognise the guidance and support from my family particularly my wife, the church for all kind of support given me whilst serving as the district NYI President. I pray and wish that the church will continue to provide the desired support and guidance to ensure that NYI Ministries continue to exist in the district and achieve the intended objectives. May the lord God richly bless you all!
