Press Releases

Tsunami Relief Efforts Continue

NCM Update #3 on Tidal Wave Disaster Relief

Making sense of what happened “We are at the air force base to help some tribal members that had been rescued from the Car Nicobar Island,” shared Debi Dhas, daughter of a Nazarene District Superintendent in India who is just finishing her master's degree in Clinical Psychology. “They are hardly injured, but suffering from severe shock. More than 80% of the island's population was lost in the waves. It is hard to watch the survivors. The older ones just sit around in a daze. Many feel guilt because a child slipped from their hands. We are trying to reach them with a little love, and hope to offer them long-term assistance.” In the last few years NCM has trained several dozen specialists in trauma care and counseling, many who are already ministering to people in Sri Lanka and India. Other initial relief efforts in Eurasia include Crisis Care Kits and bottled water.

As the death toll tops 150,000, NCM and its partners are working around the clock to make a difference in this sea of misery. India's NCM Coordinator Atul Meshramkar brought in the new year in Nagapattinam, the worst affected place in India. “Please pray for NCM staff and volunteers assisting in the relief efforts,” Atul requests, “We are numb from what we have seen. Our team of six NCM volunteers has traveled to several places for on-ground assessments. One was a hamlet in the Cuddalore district, where 571 people died. Out of 900 homes, 500 were destroyed. Even the livelihoods of this fishing village were washed away. The people are really suffering. We so want to help them restore their lives after this terrible disaster.”

The tsunami has claimed 15,160 lives in India alone, and 384,956 are homeless in 560 relief camps. Even the very poor, marginalized women from NCM's self-help groups in India have stepped up to volunteer with the massive relief efforts. Long-term rehabilitation plans include medical services, nutritional treatment for children, rebuilding schools, planting churches, and community development.

The Board of General Superintendents recently stated, “We call on Nazarenes around the globe to pray fervently for the people and nations so deeply affected. Our message of holiness expresses itself in specific and concrete ways in tragedies of this nature.” In addition, the board encourages Nazarenes to give generously to the relief and recovery efforts that are underway.

Women who lost 3 children Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “Tidal Wave Relief ACM1762” 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.

On-line using VISA or MasterCard
OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer

and mail to:
General Treasurer
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131

In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene

and mail to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

*** Please note that due to recent congressional legislation, U.S. donors may be able to deduct a contribution on their 2004 taxes for contributions made in January 2005 that are specifically marked for Tsunami Relief efforts. NCM will mark checks in January’s business if they are postmarked by January 31 and received in our office no later than February 7, 2005. Please consult your tax advisor if you have questions regarding your specific situation.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 1, 2005