Press Releases

Tsunami Death Toll Tops 225,000

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From a Nazarene conference this week came the following report: “Our community is a community of fishermen. We are people who have come to Christ in a similar way to Simon Peter and Andrew. One of the great problems we confront here is that believers have no place where it is secure for us to worship together without our faith in Christ being discovered and our lives endangered. That problem is often solved because a number of our fellowship members own large boats. When fishermen go out in our community, the large boats carry small boats in tow for specific work. Christian owners of the large boats will arrange for believers to be sent out together on the small boats. In this way, when they are upon the desolate sea, they are free to worship and pray together.

Two Christian-owned boats and six believers are presently missing since the tsunami. Unfortunately, the tsunami also destroyed the coastal radio communication system, so there has been no contact with these boats since that time. This does not necessarily mean that they are victims of the disaster. It simply means that we do not know their status.” Please pray for the safety and return of these six believers.

Thailand District Superintendent Rev. Sawat Hahom, Thailand NCM Coordinator Ceny Hirahara, and a group of volunteers will be leaving for southern Thailand on Monday. In cooperation with the IndoChina Mission, they will be ministering to 300 children affected by the tsunami. Reports of the local people not wanting to touch tsunami victims because of the fear of AIDS have prompted the Nazarene based New Life for Thai AIDS ministry Project Manager Mr. Suvit Amonkulsawat to accompany them to assist with professional AIDS counseling. Please pray for their ministry next week.

According to Asia-Pacific NCM Coordinator Stephen Gualberto who is traveling in Indonesia this week, food and medical supplies are getting through to most of the affected areas. What is needed most at this time are cash donations to purchase supplies for people to get back on their feet: cooking utensils, mosquito nets, housing materials such as wood and cement, school supplies for children, and help with restoring livelihoods. Please continue to pray for the victims as they try to rebuild their lives in the midst of tremendous loss and grief.

NCM wishes to thank everyone for their overwhelming response to date. Your quick response is vital to the success of our ministry efforts to those affected. Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “Tidal Wave Relief ACM1762.”

• 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 25, 2005