Press Releases

Mozambique Flooding

During the night on February 10, 2007, Dave Restrick, a Nazarene missionary in Maputo, Mozambique, received a phone call. Rev. Fernando Gimo, the district superintendent of the Caia region, was calm but spoke of an approaching tragedy: "We are sitting on the roof of our huts, and the water is rising every hour, higher and higher. In some lower elevated places of the village, the water is already three meters deep. Please pray with us that we will make it through the night." An urgent call for prayer went throughout the region, and as these prayers were lifted up, Rev. Gimo and his family made it through the night safely. Praise the Lord!

Parts of southern Africa have experienced continuous heavy rains and cyclones since the beginning of the year. Since February 4th, the water levels of the Zambezi River in Mozambique have been on red alert. On February 9th, the Cahora Bassa Dam was almost at full capacity, and all the flood gates had to be opened to prevent a total collapse of the dam. Since then, 8,400 cubic meters of water have been released each second into the lower Zambezi. At the same time, the influx of water above the dam is rapidly increasing and worsening the situation by the minute. By February 11th, the water levels were just below those of Mozambique’s great flood of 2000.

Between 300,000 and 500,000 people will be affected and displaced by the flooding. Many of these people will lose everything but the clothes on their backs. At least 250,000 people are in immediate need of food supplies. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Mozambique is aiming to assist at least 2,000 families with the most basic food and non-food needs through an experienced team who also handled floods in 2000.

The number of people affected by this natural disaster is large, but in the end, it is not about big numbers or tragic statistics. Behind each number is one family or one person who is going through severe pain: fathers whose tools for work are gone, mothers who do not have the ability to prepare a meal to feed their families, and children whose dearest possessions have been washed away.

Together, our contributions can help alleviate the pain of loss and bring practical help in form of goods and food. Even our smallest acts of love help chase away despair making the love of Christ a practical reality in one of Mozambique’s most difficult hours.

“Our Brothers and Sisters have called for our prayers. Please join me as we lift our Mozambican family in prayer and support during this time of uncertainty.” - World Mission Director, Louie E. Bustle

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Mozambique Flood Relief ACM1501 ” 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
February 15,2007

View a printable version

• 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.