Press Releases

Nazarene Pastor Dies in Cold Wave

The north of Bangladesh, India, and the plains area of Nepal (Terai) have been overwhelmed by a severe cold wave. Many have already lost their lives. In Bangladesh, the temperature has dropped to 6 degrees C (42 degrees F) from the more normal 25-33 degrees C (80-90 degrees F). This is the lowest temperature these areas have experienced in recent memory. District superintendent Rev. Sukamal Biswas reports: "Last night one of our pastors in the Naogaon district froze to death. What can we do to help our people?"

He continues to explain, “Thick fog covers the country. Most people are so poor that they have no idea how to help themselves. Especially pregnant women, young mothers, and small children are suffering from the cold wave, and many are malnourished or close to malnourishment. This prevents their bodies from having enough energy to fight these cold waves. In the meanwhile, three Nazarenes and dozens of their neighbors have lost their lives. Two more cold waves are expected this month.”

Thousands of Nazarenes live in the northern part of Bangladesh. They and their neighbors suffer incredibly. The huts have no insulation and no heat, and the cooking stoves are in the ground outside. Their clothes are the very lightest cotton, and the poor have no sweaters or blankets to keep them warm. The youngest and oldest are suffering the most. Many children have no clothes at all. Most sleep on the ground or on a mat if they are fortunate enough to have one.

Please pray for your fellow Nazarenes in Bangladesh and their communities. For the sake of your brothers and sisters, we ask that you consider helping the church purchase blankets to share with those who are so cold. The need for blankets is urgent if the church is going help prevent the death of more mothers, children, and seniors. NCM in Bangladesh requests that we send funds rather than supplies and blankets in light of the immediacy of the need. Just 6 USD will purchase a quality blanket in Bangladesh. Please consider sponsoring the purchase of blankets as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus who called us to clothe the naked and shelter the homeless.

“The Lord commands us to clothe the naked – not just because it is something to do, but because holiness compels us to see people as Christ sees them and to care for them as He would.” – Louie E. Bustle

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Bangladesh Cold Wave Relief ACM1633 ” 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10,2007

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• 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.

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.