From “Out of Africa” to “the Land Down Under” … From Maasai Mara Safari’s to Outback Trekking across the vast distances that make up the continent of Australia. After nine years serving at Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi Kenya, Rob and Cindy started a new assignment in Nazarene Missions on 1 JAN 2024 by flying to Brisbane Australia. Join in prayer for the Norths as they begin a new chapter in their 30-year marriage to serve on the Australia/New Zealand Field and remotely, for Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS).

For over fifty years the Church of the Nazarene has directly engaged in missions to First Nations people. By far the most significant has included sending missionaries into the remotest corners of the Australian outback to serve and minister in otherwise forgotten communities.

In the weeks and months to come, Rob and Cindy will be researching the kind of vehicle needed to cross the vast distance that make up the ministry points where this work is taking place. They will also be meeting the people dedicated to this work and asking lots of questions. Then, in April through June 2024 they will be on deputation raising resources to purchase the important off-road and off-grid vehicle and caravan (think of a fifth wheel or trailer on steroids) needed to accomplish this work.

Would you like to be part of Rob and Cindy’s monthly support team? Your monthly gift helps sustain the work they are doing. They are looking for 100 people, families, small groups, Sunday school classes, community groups, churches and districts to support the Norths for $55 per month for the next two years to help cover all ministry and financial support needs (salary, insurance, retirement, medical and other ministry expenses). One-time immediate donations are also needed for the purchase of an outback vehicle and caravan. If you are interested in learning more of the details and cost break down for the vehicle and Caravan, reach out to Rob at RNorth@APNaz.org. He can provide pictures and cost breakdown for the vehicles needed to accomplish this important work.

PAST MINISTRY EXPERIENCE:

From October 2014 through December 2023, Rob and Cindy served at Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in Nairobi, Kenya – Cindy as Chaplain/Director of Spiritual Development and Rob as Director of University Advancement.

The North’s love serving on university and Bible college campuses. Over 2/3rds of their ministry experience has been spent investing in the next generation of Christ followers on campuses in Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Africa, Kansas, Kenya and now in Brisbane, Australia and Manila, Philippines. Rob shares, “It is powerful to watch students make life changing decisions to follow Christ in their formative years and to see them go on to become the next Provost of a University, District Superintendent, Missionary, Bible App creator, Educator, Pastor, Business leader and Faithful lay person in their church.” Rob has also served for over eight years as Senior Administrator for Nazarene Missions International (NMI) in Kansas.

Cindy, an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene (1998) has varied experience in youth ministry, children’s ministry, adult discipleship ministries, university education, compassionate ministry, and urban ministry. She completed her Doctor of Ministries (D.Min.), with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary in May of 2010. Cindy’s calling includes a focus on spiritual renewal (deepening our walk with Jesus) for the body of Christ through her writing, preaching, and facilitating/leading prayer retreats (please connect with Cindy if a retreat is desired at CNorth@apnaz.org)

Prior to serving at ANU, the North’s served for six years as missionaries in Johannesburg, South Africa. Cindy as Choir director/Lecturer/Chaplain at Nazarene Theological College.  Rob as administrator at the Regional office for Africa in the departments of Communications, Aviation, Partnership Development and as Facilities manager. These roles contributed to the development of leaders for the Church of the Nazarene in Africa.

Rob and Cindy have two grown sons, Quinn and Jordan. Quinn is married to Amanda (2018). Quinn, Amanda and Jordan live in Kansas.

Rob and Cindy are passionate in their love for Jesus and the call to make disciples. They are excited to share the story of God’s Kingdom work around the globe. Click the “Invite to Speak” button above or contact them directly at RNorth@ apmaz.org to schedule them for your next District Missions Convention, Assembly, Faith Promise or Mission Service. They love sharing in both children and youth events also. They love connecting through coffee time, senior luncheons, camps, family retreats, cookouts, BBQ’s, Braai’s, High Tea’s, Mission minutes through Zoom or video, live or by recording.