Midweek Check-in (June 10, 2026)

Good afternoon, church family! It's time for another midweek check-in.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful missionary family. Esteban and Dhariana Murillo (and their two kids) shared their story and ministry with us at our weekly staff meeting.

Though they are from Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, they are serving as missionaries in the French-speaking country of The Ivory Coast in western Africa.

God’s Kingdom is growing rapidly in Africa. The Church of the Nazarene has grown and expanded throughout the continent. Today there are more Nazarenes in Africa than in the United States and Canada!

“People ask ‘Why is the Church of the Nazarene growing in Africa?’ I know why,” Dhariana told us. “They pray a lot.”

Dhariana said that the first hour of church services in western African is all prayer and worship. Prayer is irreplaceable, and it is sparking growth and depth in the Church of the Nazarene in Africa.

Not only did we get to hear their story, but we also gathered as a staff and shared Communion with the Murillo family. It was a special, sacred moment that reminded me just how big God’s kingdom is and how connected we are to the global church.

I’m thankful for leaders such as Esteban and Dhariana, who are traveling around Kansas this month to share reports of God’s work in The Ivory Coast and the rest of western Africa. Please pray for this lovely family, and pray for their continued efforts to meet needs and spread the gospel!

“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Learn more about the Murillo family and their ministry here.

Your pastor,

Billy Byler

HEAVEN’S MYTHBUSTERS: What does the Bible say about heaven? What does Jesus say about heaven? Each Sunday in June we’re going to look at heaven from a biblical perspective to see what we can believe and what crazy ideas we need to leave behind (hint: you don’t need to learn how to play the harp!). Join us at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday!

PRAYER PARTNERS: We’re launching a new ministry this summer that will connect kids with prayer partners within the church for prayer, encouragement and mentorship. All adult volunteers will receive training and background checks and must attend an informational meeting immediately after the Sunday morning worship service on June 14 in the sanctuary.

2026 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY: Woodland Lakes Community Church has long been a part of the Church of the Nazarene, and each summer Nazarenes from all over Kansas gather at the annual District Assembly. This year it will be downtown at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene (1400 E. Kellogg Dr.). All are welcome to attend! Here’s what to expect:

·      Thursday, July 30 – The opening worship service starts at 7 p.m. and will feature District Superintendent Kendall Franklin giving his annual report. I’d love to see a great turnout from our church in support of Pastor Kendall.

·      Friday, July 31 – The annual ordination service begins at 7 p.m. This is a sacred, holy worship service in which General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker will bring a message and we will witness the ordination of three ministers and honor one retiring minister.

·      Saturday, Aug. 1 – The annual EQUIP Day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features plenary speaker Selena Freeman plus several workshops and seminars focused on specific ministry topics (more info to come).

PRAYER: I’d like to know how I can best pray for you. We have a way to submit prayer requests online anytime day or night, which will help me join you in prayer.

JUST FOR FUN: Hey, you read Pastor Billy's midweek check-in all the way to the end! As a reward, check out these crazy stories I came across recently:

·       A pair of orphaned baby turkeys in Pennsylvania have embraced a new mom that’s actually just a feather duster.

·       Driverless trucks have been delivering Cheetos, Doritos and Gatorade to stores for more than a year with zero accidents reported.

·       A man in Louisiana tried to run from police by jumping into a nearby swamp, where he was immediately attacked by an alligator.