A Calling Fulfilled

Delia Nüesch-Olver

Free Methodist World Missions has named Pastor/Planter Delia Nüesch-Olver as area director for Latin America, succeeding David Roller, who was appointed to the office of bishop at General Conference 2007. Nüesch-Olver will assume her new role Aug. 1, 2008, following the completion of her current commitment as director of the global and urban mission program at Seattle Pacific University (WA).

“I see my becoming the area director for Latin America and Latin Americans as a fulfillment of my Jeremiah 1 call and a convergence of all of my gifts, training, ministerial experience and walk with God,” says Nüesch-Olver. Her education includes a doctorate in cultural anthropology that enhances her abilities to strategize, teach and train. In her new position, Nüesch-Olver aims to challenge people to see the world in new ways and to give themselves to the cause of Christ in global mission.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nüesch-Olver comes from family that lives and breathes missions. “My paternal grandparents launched that part of our history when, as single missionaries from Switzerland, they met and married in Argentina,” she says. “They had eight children, seven of whom have served the Lord in Latin America and beyond. Growing up, our family reunions were filled with talk of missionary strategy, the opening of new fields, and international politics as it related to missiology.”

During general conference, Bishop Roller presented his strategy for Latin America, indicating that God had called him to lead his area to focus on cities (because it’s wholly about people), mentoring (because it’s about holy people) and holistic ministries (because it’s about whole people). Nüesch-Olver concurs. “I cannot emphasize how spiritually and intellectually energizing I found Bishop Roller’s presentation as these are exactly the priorities that have characterized my ministry in the last 30 years,” Nüesch-Olver says. “Because of that, I will maintain Bishop Roller’s focus, and use all my capabilities to gather leaders in Latin America and beyond around that vision.”

Nüesch-Olver is married to Paul S. Olver, pastor of the Rainier Avenue FMC (Seattle, WA).

Peru: The FMC Responds
Gary Cruce
(Written three days after the earthquake)

Pat Cruce joined a disaster relief team organized by Peru National Director, Pastor Miguel Algorta. They were able to take in over 600 pounds of food and clothing to people in Pisco.

On Wednesday, August 15, 2007, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Peru. The epicenter was about 90 miles south of Lima, the capital city. More than 500 people were killed and 1,500 injured during the three minutes of terror. In one city, Ica, more than 60 percent of the buildings were destroyed.

My wife Pat and I were leaving for church when we heard a roar, and then the sounds of breaking glass and falling bricks. As the ground began to shake and the electricity went off, we rushed out of our apartment and into the street. Aftershocks continued for 15 minutes.

When the ground stopped shaking, we went to the local Free Methodist church. We joined a group on their knees praying, but felt the Lord prompting us to go talk to the people in the streets, telling them of their need to have faith in Christ. We were able to comfort quite a few.

The next night, at a packed prayer meeting at the church, I asked the pastor if I could share a few words. I explained that there is a time to pray and a time to work. This was a time for the church to shine and to show non-Christians (who were filled with fear) that as Christians, our faith is in God. I also challenged the people to think about the needs of those who had lost their homes and belongings, suggesting that the church take up an offering of food, blankets and money to send to a church in the disaster area. The people excitedly agreed.

The pastor declared the next day a day for church members to witness to their neighbors. He also said that on Sunday the church would take up a special offering and whatever they could give — a little or a lot — we would send to the disaster area.

We left the meeting with hearts full of gratitude to the Lord for leading the people to reach out to their neighbors and show the love of Christ in a difficult time.

Note: The Free Methodist Church sent $2,500 in crisis relief funds through the Bishops’ Famine and Relief Fund, and Operation Hope — an arm of Free Methodist World Missions. To contribute to funds on hand for future crises, mark donations clearly for the Bishops’ Famine and Relief Fund and mail to Board of Bishops, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002.