Press Releases

From Africa to Asia, Relief Continues

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“Along the coast of eastern Somalia, the tsunami left 25,000 people homeless and 260 people dead,” stated a missionary in the Horn of Africa. “It is an area too dangerous for westerners to travel, as there have been several murders of westerners in recent months. This leaves outside relief organizations without accountability that they can actually deliver aid. We are blessed with trustworthy local contacts that can travel there in relative safety to deliver aid.” The loss of shipping fleets and fisheries has destroyed the economic basis of the Somalia coastline, leaving already poverty-stricken people completely destitute.

In southeast Asia, a team of Nazarene Indonesian pastors are continuing assessments in the North Sumatra area where the death toll now stands at over 113,300. The team is coordinating efforts with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), whose flights were among the first to bring food and water to many people. In one town where only 1,000 of the original 4,000 survived, MAF pilots reported there were no children left. “Nazarene Indonesian leaders have a plan for the response to Nias Island,” stated Asia-Pacific NCM Coordinator Stephen Gualberto. “The international relief efforts have focused on Banda Aceh, and we do have a wonderful team of Nazarene doctors there assisting, but Nias was hit just as hard without as much aid coming in. We would like to adopt a village in Nias, taking it from relief stage, to restoration, all the way through to being a thriving, healthy community.”

In Sri Lanka where twenty-two hospitals were damaged, cases of diarrhea, respiratory and skin diseases are already occurring in refugee camps. A team of doctors with various medical specialties from the Nazarene Hospital in Washim, India, is preparing to go to two sites in Sri Lanka to assist. Many people are also suffering from mental trauma as the harsh reality of loss sets in. Please continue to pray for the healing of both physical and emotional wounds of the survivors.

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• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
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  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 11, 2005