Press Releases

Nazarenes Provide Community Support and Counseling in India

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“Weeks after the tsunami, people are still in shock,” reported India’s NCM Coordinator Atul Meshramkar on February 2, “especially the children who lost family members and friends. They do not know what is going to happen next in their lives. Our assessment team noted confused behavior and feelings of guilt, stress, and worry. Even many of the fishermen are afraid to go back out on the sea. There is a dire need for counseling, and along with physical relief work, we are providing trauma care and spiritual guidance to many.”

When the tsunami first struck its devastating blows, the church in India was involved in immediate and urgent rescue and trauma care with the villagers, many of whom stayed in local churches. NCM has also been involved in relief efforts, assisting thousands of people with care packs, clothing, and prayer. The care packs contained rice, beans, cooking oil, soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and hair oil.

Since fishing is the primary industry, the tsunami created a huge economic blow to these villages. Not only are the fishermen and their families affected, but also the families of those who sort, pack, transport, and sell the fish. NCM will be addressing the villagers’ needs by repairing or providing boats and nets. Counseling for orphans and traumatized children through playgroup activities and support classes is planned. Creating community support systems will help the fishermen and their families stabilize and return to normalcy. Lastly, there are tremendous long-term health and sanitation needs for these villagers, many of whom will most likely be living in temporary shelters with no floors or bathrooms for at least 18 months.

Please continue to pray for rehabilitation efforts in India and all the tsunami-affected areas. Please especially pray for emotional healing of victims as trained specialists from NCM counsel them and help them deal with their traumatic experiences. “It is not enough simply to help people survive,” shared South Asia NCM Coordinator Dr. Hermann Gschwandtner, “We must enable them to continue life with hope and expectation.”

NCM is grateful for those who are helping us to extend such vital hope and help to the victims of this disaster. Your response is enabling us to assist in the long-term rehabilitation needs as well as the deep emotional and spiritual needs of 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
February 4, 2005