NMI, (Nazarene Missions International) exists to mobilize the local church through: 1. Prayer; 2. Education; 3. Giving; 4. Interactive Experiences. Here at Cornerstone (CSN), we strive to be actively involved in each of these mission areas.

PRAYER: Each year we participate in the International Day of Prayer by praying for each of our six world regions, Africa, Asia Pacific, Eurasia, Mesoamerica, South America and USA/Canada. We also stress the importance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church to help our congregation realize that in many areas of the world Christians do not have the opportunity to worship freely like we do. Other times of specific prayer for missions and our missionaries are presented frequently.

EDUCATION: Various opportunities are given throughout the year to learn more about what God is doing in other areas around the world. Mission lessons and activities are presented to our children in N2Y several Sunday mornings throughout the year. We also have Mission Sunday which includes a special speaker and an all day Children’s Mission Explosion. Our children are invited to be involved in various mission experiences in a fun and exciting way. We host the Portsmouth Zone Rally each spring where all of the churches on our zone come together to hear a missionary speak about their area of service. This is always a great time of learning and fellowship for all ages.

GIVING: CSN is very involved in mission giving. We support the World Evangelism Fund (WEF), Faith Promise, Alabaster Offerings, World Mission Broadcast, Memorial Roll Certificates, Distinguished Service Awards, L.I.N.K.S. and Compassionate Ministries giving. We have received the Mission Priority One and Church of Excellence awards for giving on our district for several consecutive years. We endeavor to help our people realize that giving is not about raising money, it is about fulfilling the mission.

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES: Under the direction of several capable and experienced leaders, CSN provides first hand mission opportunities for teens and adults through Work and Witness mission trip(s) to areas both inside and outside of the country each year. This is a great way for people to give of themselves to others and gain a personal interactive mission experience at the same time. In addition, service projects are encouraged through the avenues of small groups and compassionate ministries opportunities. We collect and pack Crisis Care Kits (CCKs) each year to send to areas both inside and outside of the country that have experienced natural disasters and hardship. We schedule a hands-on “Packing Party” for the children each year to help pack the kits and pray for the people that will be receiving them.

We strive to fulfill Jesus command to be a Great Commission church. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:19-20.

Jean M. Watters ~ NMI President