Nazarene Compassionate Ministry
Disaster Response
Faith Church of the Nazarene
Our Church Can Be Your Home
More than 22,000 Killed in Myanmar Cyclone
Cyclone Nargis slammed through a 30,000 square kilometer area of the coast of Myanmar over the weekend, leaving destruction and death in its wake. The Myanmar government radio has confirmed 22,464 dead and as many as 41,000 missing in the hardest hit areas of the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region and Yangon. Tidal waves, some up to 12 feet high, are reported to have killed most of the victims in that region. The UN also reports that up to one million people have been left homeless.
South-east Asia (SEA) Field and mission personnel have made contact with Nazarene leaders in the area. They are shaken but safe. They were relieved to hear about the love, concern, and support of their Nazarene family. Several of the 21 Nazarene churches in Myanmar are located in areas hit by Nargis.
NCM and Field personnel hope to travel into Myanmar later this week to survey the situation and distribute relief supplies such as basic food items, water, and emergency shelter. NCM is coordinating with other international relief and aid agencies in an endeavor to collaborate in an effective response to this disaster.
“The magnitude of this crisis is still unknown. We must keep in prayer our brothers and sisters who have lost family, homes, and livelihood,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said.
Please continue to pray for the families of those killed in the cyclone as well as those still missing. Pray for SEA Field NCM staff, mission personnel, and local church members who are partnering together and working through the challenges of addressing this crisis.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online at ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “Myanmar Cyclone Relief NCMPRMM08” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2008
Democratic Republic of Congo & Rwanda face 6.1 magnitude earthquake
More than 300 people were injured and 40 people killed in a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that shook the South Kivu area on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The earthquake hit on Sunday, February 3 at 9:35 am (local time).
Those in the city of Bukavu (DRCongo) were asked to spend Sunday night outside for fear that more tremors would collapse people’s homes. Here are the initial reports from NCM Field Coordinator Rev. Celestin Chishibanji:
16 church buildings were destroyed. Four of them are Nazarene: Rusizi and Nkombo in Rwanda and Mudaka and Gloire Dieu in Bukavu.
12 schools were destroyed, one of them Nazarene.
210 houses were destroyed. Among them were 11 Nazarene homes.
230 people have been seriously injured and are being treated in hospitals in both Cyangugu, Rwanda (81) and Bukavu, DRCongo (149).
One wall of the Church of the Nazarene South Kivu District office has fallen down.
This kind of devastation is especially hard on an area that has suffered from political instability and violence. However, the church is strong here and is already responding to the needs of church members and the community.
World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said, “Please pray for church leaders and those responding in Rwanda and Congo as they care for those who are injured or who have lost their homes to the earthquake.”
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online at ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “Rwanda/Congo Earthquake Relief 2008 ACM1199” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008
Update: Churches affected in political unrest in Kenya
The political crisis in Kenya continues as incumbent President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposition leader Raila Odinga vie for power after the contested presidential elections on December 27, 2007.
The crisis, however, extends well beyond political contentions. Communities are suffering greatly because of mob violence. The “cycle of retaliation” between politically opposed groups of people has perpetuated ethnic violence that is affecting the whole country. Since the election, over 250,000 people have been displaced, and over 900 have been killed. On Tuesday morning, ODM Member of Parliament Mugabe Ware was shot dead inciting new levels of rioting and violence.
As former United Nations chief Kofi Annan calls for mediated negotiations between political leaders, the church is responding to the needs of people in the communities and cities most affected. Nazarene pastors, leaders, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries staff have organized to distribute food to 11,000 people in cities in Western Kenya such as Kisumu and Eldoret.
Nazarenes distributed staple foods such as maize and beans – commodities that have become unavailable or too expensive in many areas. Many of the people who have received food are those whose houses have been burned down or who have been forced to leave their homes because of the violence. These families worry that potential drought might make food scarcer and that they will not have enough money to purchase high-priced food items.
In the distribution, the Church of the Nazarene has paid special attention to the children in the NCM Orphans and Vulnerable Children program in Western Kenya by providing them with a nutritional mix of maize and soybeans.
They have also assisted congregations around the city of Nakuru that have been severely affected by the violence. Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. Don Gardner reported on Sunday that over 100 people had been camping at one of the Nazarene church buildings in Nakuru since Friday without any food. People have not left the church compound for fear of their lives. All the houses and buildings surrounding the church have been destroyed or burned. Rev. Emmanuel Wafula, District Superintendent of the Kenya Rift Valley District, went to Nairobi for the district assembly but was not able to return home to his family in Nakuru because of the violence taking place on the roads between these major Kenyan cities.
“We are joining with our sisters and brothers who are fearful and in a time of great trial,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said. “Pray that our churches and church leaders would find strength in God and in each other.”
The situation for people in Kenya remains desperate. Please continue to pray for the body of Christ. Pray that God will bring peace, that people in the church would continue to care for each other regardless of political/ethnic affiliation, and that those who have been displaced will be cared for and able to return home safely.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online at ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “Kenya Unrest ACM1199” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2008
Flooding in Central Africa
As the rainy season in Central Africa continues, the countries located along the Zambezi River – Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – face increasing rainfall and rising rivers. Major news sources report that 45 people have already died due to the flooding, and tens of thousands have been displaced. The current flooding compounds an already existing hardship since many people in Mozambique were displaced due to flooding last year. Authorities anticipate that this year’s flooding will be worse than the flooding of 2001.
As the rising river threatens resettlement camps in Mozambique, the police and army have forcibly evacuated 65,000 people bringing the total of displaced people to 170,000. In Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, homes and crops have been destroyed creating a crisis that will continue far after the water recedes. These countries also face damage to infrastructure, including roads, making it difficult to transport much needed goods such as food to those who are seeking refuge from the water.
Members and leaders in the Church of the Nazarene are currently assessing the situation in each of these central African countries to find ways for the church to partner together to meet the immediate and long-term needs of our sisters and brothers in crisis.
“We must continue to pray for those who are losing both life and property in yet another flood,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said. “We must remember them as if we are remembering our own body.”
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online at ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “Zambezi River FLood Relief ACM1501” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2008
Update on Bangladesh Tropical Storm
The cyclone that hit Bangladesh on November 15, 2007 affected 23 districts (political) in Bangladesh. Of these, 14 districts were severely affected. According to the government, 2,388 have died. People expect that they will find many more dead in the next few day as rescue efforts continue. Some reports forecast that there may be as many as 10,000 fatalities.
Thousands are missing. About 3,000 army personnel as well as many navy personnel have engaged in rescue efforts. According to the government, about 3,200,000 people were living in the high risk coastal areas. About 1,700,000 of these people moved to a safe place before the cyclone hit. Still, many more have been injured.
Communication has been difficult because road, telecommunications, and the country’s power system were interrupted. Houses, crops, and trees are destroyed. Ninety-five percent of about 1,100,000 hectors of rice fields and 500,000 hectors of winter vegetable fields in 14 districts are destroyed.
Millions are homeless. About 80 percent of rural houses in the severely hit areas are damaged. Many are living in the temporary shelters without enough food. Rain, cold, and water born diseases have added to people’s suffering. Saline water and polluted water are mixing with pond and river water leaving areas without clean drinking water.
This is the biggest cyclone in last 50 years. According to the media, the damage caused by the storm is more than the damage from the recent flood.
In Bagerhat and Khulna, 14 of our Nazarene churches and about 165 families have been affected. About 55 houses of Nazarene members have been blown apart completely. Others are damaged only partially. About 99 percent of these people lost trees and livestock. The Mongla Child Development Center has also been affected.
Two of our churches in Satkhira have suffered damage, and their temporary shelter is blown out. Our congregations in Goplagonj, who also suffered damages from the floods earlier this year, are also affected by the cyclone.
Please pray for the situation. Millions of people are without food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and a way to make a living. Thank you for your prayer, care, love, and support for the ministry in Bangladesh.
Taken from a report by Rev. Nathan Biswas
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “South Asia Disaster Relief ACM1549” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. ncm.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2007
Tropical Cyclone Wipes out Nazarene Ministries in Bangladesh
Cyclone Sidr hit land in Bangladesh at night on Thursday, November 15, 2007. According to the Associated Press, at least 1,100 people have lost their lives and thousand more, their homes. Many fishing vessels have not returned to shore. The phase-4 cyclone left a path of destruction from the southwest part of Bangladesh towards the center of the country. In addition to dumping huge amounts of rain, it has also sent flood waves into the coastal areas. This combination is potentially devastating because one-third of Bangladesh is below sea level.
Church of the Nazarene District Superintendent Nathan Biswas left immediately to visit the most affected area by a road that is now blocked by trees and debris. Now, like many others, he is not able to reach his home area to see if his family is okay.
“This is horrible,” Rev. Biswas shared. “Whole villages are gone. Mongla, where Nazarenes from Canada, Netherlands, and Germany offered helping hands after the last disaster and started a Child Development Center, lost 60 percent of its homes. The center is totally wiped out. The daughter of one of our leaders was hit by a tree and is in severe condition. Another Nazarene who was injured may not make it. And that is just the beginning of the horror story.”
Bangladesh has been frequently hit by natural disasters. Tropical cyclones hit in both 1970 and 1991 with death tolls between 135,000 and 500,000. People are praying that this will not happen again.
“We need to do something right away,” Rev. Biswas urged.
The thousands who have lost everything need food and clean water immediately. In the rebuilding process, they will also need cyclone-proof housing. As the cyclone is losing power over land, NCM is planning a major effort to respond to the needs of those who are suffering. Please consider joining the church as it shares hope and celebrates God's love in the midst of this hardship.
“As our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh live through yet another natural disaster, we must continue to pray and respond with love and care,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle said. “God is working through the church to help those who struggle through the pain and suffering of these difficult days.”
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “South Asia Disaster Relief ACM1549” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. ncm.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2007
Hurricane Felix Update (.pdf) 9/6/07
Flooding In Bangladesh
The worst flooding in decades continues to devastate Bangladesh. The waters have been slowly flowing down from the Himalayas and through the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. Millions have already lost their homes. The great Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers (called Padma and Jamuna in Bangladesh) are carrying the water to the sea.
One-third of the country has been declared a disaster zone. In these areas, one can only see water everywhere. People are fleeing to the higher lying streets, but they may not be safe there for long. A considerable amount of more water is expected.
It continues to rain heavily and many fear that India may open the floodgates at one or more of their great dams so that they could escape disaster, but if they do, the disaster would simply hit Bangladesh.
The Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh is not idle. District Superintendent Nathan has visited the flooded areas and confirms: “This is much worse than the great floods of the last ten years. We urgently need to prepare help. People are already dying from water-born diseases due to the lack of drinking water. Soon others will follow from lack of food. Apart from food, water, and medicines, they need some clothes and household items as they have lost virtually everything. We want to help at least 10,000 families.”
Bangladesh is one of the fastest growing Nazarene ministries. The Church of the Nazarene has established hundreds of groups and ministry centers. These people and their neighbors need our help. Over the last five to seven years, dozens of people in the Church of the Nazarene have been trained to respond to disaster situations such as this one. They need the help of people in the church so that together we can show the love of Jesus to suffering children and their families.
World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle said, “Let’s join together in prayerful support of our family in Bangladesh in this time of devastating crisis.”
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “South Asia Disaster Relief ACM1549” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at ncm.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2007
Floods Hit the Lower Midwest
Rainstorms throughout the South Central United States have recently dropped as much as two feet of rain on parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. Flooding has been widespread throughout the area with rivers, streams, and waterways reaching record heights. National Guard troops have been called out to assist with evacuations and rescue efforts.
Nazarene Disaster Response has begun responding in Neodesha, Kansas, where rains have left dozens of homes and the Neodesha Church of the Nazarene under four feet of water. A number of local congregations throughout the affected area are housing people displaced by the storms.
As the waters recede, Neodesha will need work teams to come gut and repair the church building and neighboring homes. Local officials believe that recovery workers will be allowed into the town as early as July 4. For more information on volunteering, please call 800-214-4999 or email ndr@ncmi.org.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “USA Floods ACM1835” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at ncm.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2007
500,000 Displaced by Fighting in Somalia
The worst violence in 17 years has recently devastated, the city of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. It is reported that 500,000 people have fled the capital since the violence began three months ago. A cholera outbreak has killed hundreds of children and elderly in the last eight weeks.
Now as the violence seems to be ending, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has developed a plan to assist families to return from refugee camps so that they do not become permanently displaced. Our goal is to provide immediate assistance to people who are living without shelter under trees and in the countryside. Families will receive materials to construct emergency shelter, and some assistance with food and, because of the cholera outbreak, assistance with drinking water. Later some assistance with materials to rebuild houses is planned so that people are not displaced permanently.
Many relief organizations have given up on trying to assist in Somalia because they are forced to pay bribes to local clans and to hire gunmen. NCM is blessed to have a strong network of local leaders who have been able to work with community leaders to do small scale assistance projects in ways that avoid these problems.
In early 2005, in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami, NCM was able to assist 60 families in coastal villages to regain financial self-sufficiency. In communities where all boats had been destroyed, fishermen were enabled to return to the sea. One coastal community received assistance in restoring a radio communication system which was vital to fishermen and to communication with the outside world.
At the end of a severe drought in mid-2006, NCM was able to distribute seed grain to destitute farmers in key growing areas. Through careful community planning, and timely rains, these farmers received a bumper crop and were able to avoid being displaced from their land.
At least $20,000 to provide food, water jerry cans and plastic sheets are urgently needed for this project.
World Mission Director, Dr. Louie Bustle said, “We are praying that God will use the Church of the Nazarene to help many of these displaced families return home and that in the process we will be an instrument of Christ’s peace.”
In a region of the world that many view as hopeless, you can extend a helping hand to displaced people! Thanks for your part in this project.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Internally Displaced People ACM2004 ” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at ncm.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2007
Tornado Devastates Kansas Town
On Saturday, May 4th, a tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the southern Kansas town of Greensburg, killing at least eight and injuring dozens more. This tornado was part of a storm system that dumped massive amounts of rain and spawned tornados across the Great Plains. The Greensburg tornado, classified EF-5 (the National Weather Service’s most intense rating), was nearly two miles in diameter and remained on the ground for twenty-two miles, destroying nearly 95% of the town.
Dodge City (KS) Church of the Nazarene has begun coordinating Nazarene Disaster Response efforts for victims of this tragedy. As search and rescue operations came to a close Monday and clean-up operations began, NDR volunteers from Dodge City were on hand with emergency supplies.
The church needs your help as it responds to this disaster. The strength of the NDR network is the vast family of congregations throughout the world who mobilize to share the love of Christ to their neighbors in time of need.
Updated information will follow on www.ndrusa.org as the recovery effort continues.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Greensburg, KS Tornado ACM1853” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at www.ncm.org.
All donations remitted through the General Treasurer’s Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2007
Children at Risk
Poverty, natural disasters, conflicts, injustices, and food crises have increased in the last few years, and the most affected are the children.
* Over half a billion children are struggling to survive on under $1 per day.
* 250,000 children and young people are infected with HIV/AIDS every month.
* It is estimated that 25 million children will have lost one or both parents to AIDS by 2010.
* 130 million children lack access to education.
* 246 million children are child laborers.
* 8.4 million children are trapped in slavery, trafficking, debt bondage, prostitution, pornography and other illicit activities.
* 300,000 young people under 18 are exploited as child soldiers.
* 30,000 children die each day from preventable diseases.
This is the reality of the children of today. What can be done?
Through prayer, we can intervene on behalf of these children, releasing the power and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, their families and their communities.
Christians all over the world are called to unite and pray for children at risk - children in poverty, abuse and deprivation. This prayer focus is organized by Viva Network, which connects international Christian organizations who work with children at risk.
We call every Christian and local church to stand with us in prayer for children around the world. We encourage you to be ambassadors for children at risk in your community.
For more details and materials on how you and/or your church can participate a Global Weekend of Prayer, we invite you to log on to www.viva.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Posted October 28, 2006
Crisis Care Kits
Crisis Care Kits-Considering the hundreds of thousands of people left homeless and without basic supplies, there is an extraordinary need for more Crisis Care Kits (CCKs).
Dr. Walter Maestri, director of Emergency Operations Center in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, expressed sincere gratitude to the Church of the Nazarene for responding with the Crisis Care Kits. Having been a CCK recipient himself, Walter said, "These CCKs are fantastic. We need all you can send."
While it may seem logical to send CCKs directly to affected areas, please do not send CCKs to the Gulf Coast. NDR must be able to coordinate the timing, rate of distribution, and the location to be most effective in their response efforts. Due to the high numbers of CCKs being received, please send CCKs according to the following instructions:
From the western portion of the U.S.A., please send CCKs to:
Hands of Hope
Attn: Liz Murtland
1201 S. Powerline Road
Nampa, ID 83686
From the eastern portion of the U.S.A., please send CCKs to:
For shipping via the Postal Service:
Nazarene Relief Shipments
Attn: Mr. John Borgal
PO Box 117
Fawn Grove, PA 17321-0117
For shipping other than the Postal Service: Nazarene Relief Shipments
Attn: Mr. John Borgal
5300 Fawn Grove Road
Pylesville, MD 21132
For more information on Crisis Care Kits, see the following NCM, Inc. Web page: http://www.ncmi.org/giving_opportunities/cck.htm
Other questions regarding CCKs should be directed to 1-800-214-4999.
This page was last updated on: May 8, 2008
