Press Releases
NAZARENES TO REBUILD 5 SCHOOLS IN SRI LANKA
NCM Update #7 on Tidal Wave Disaster Relief
Printable Version
Little boys and girls in Sri Lanka are valiantly trying to return
to normalcy in a world that has turned upside down. As they return
to school, many discover that their friends are gone. In some classrooms,
it’s the teachers who won’t be back and the government
estimates 1,800 teachers are dead or missing. Even teachers who lost
children in the tsunami have bravely returned to work. However, for
some teachers and nearly 180,000 students, there is no classroom to
return to, as the schools themselves were destroyed.
After conducting assessments of neighborhoods in the tsunami-affected
areas, local Nazarene churches, along with NCM, have decided to address
the great educational needs in Sri Lanka. Five communities have been
chosen for the rebuilding of their schools. The plan is to construct
the schools as well as outfit them with basic desks, chairs, and supplies.
This will help many children return to school.
“I was incredibly impressed with the response of the local
churches in Sri Lanka,” stated NCM Administrative Director Larry
Bollinger, who returned from the tsunami area yesterday. “Nazarenes
have come down from the mountains, where our churches are located,
to minister to the people in need along the east coast. They are collecting,
packing and delivering clothes, food and money. This is what our founders
intended when they formed the Church of the Nazarene, that we would
remember our Wesleyan roots, imitating Christ Himself, and care for
the lost, the poor, the broken-hearted. We are overwhelmed with the
immensity of the needs, but this is the church at its best, being
the body of Christ. You can be really proud of the Nazarene Church
in this crisis.”
Local Nazarenes also distributed two thousand Crisis Care Kits in
Sri Lanka to grateful tsunami survivors, and pastors are providing
crisis counseling in relief camps. JESUS Film teams are preparing
to visit the stricken areas soon to bring people the message of God's
great love for them. In the tradition of the Church of the Nazarene,
NCM is once again gearing up to be involved in lasting solutions long
after the TV cameras have left. Rehabilitation and restoration of
livelihoods continues to be a pressing need.
“Compassionate Nazarenes are not only available when the crisis
hits,” stated World Mission Director Louie Bustle, “But
they are on hand to assist with long-term solutions to poverty and
despair. We are so thankful for the wonderful response from the worldwide
church to this enormous disaster. Please continue praying and helping
us to come alongside our local churches in their compassionate outreach
to those affected by the tsunami.”
 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 28, 2005
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