Press Releases

War Causes Thousands To Flee; Nazarenes Missing

An outbreak of fighting between factions of the Congolese army and the Interahamwe and Mai-Mai militias caused more than 100,000 people to flee areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week. In the Masisi area Nazarenes from eight churches fled, leaving all their belongings behind, which were then looted by rebels. Two Nazarene churches and a primary school were burned. The pastor's wife of the Mufa Nazarene Church had both legs broken. One hundred people of the local Pentecostal church were killed while worshipping. No Nazarene loss of life is reported, although five people are missing.

In the Rutshuru area nine Nazarene churches were looted and members from four of them were forced to flee into the neighboring country of Uganda. In the Nyiragongo area, where a primary school principal and a Nazarene pastor and his two children were killed in December, members of eight Nazarene churches have seen their homes systematically looted and torn apart. In all, at least 1,700 Nazarenes have been displaced by the fighting, which erupted earlier this week.

Meanwhile, in southern DRC heavy storms battered and destroyed over 600 homes, including five Nazarene homes and a primary school. Many Nazarenes lost their crops and belongings and a pastor's child is missing. Pipelines were broken and a cholera outbreak has resulted from people using the water from Lake Tanganyika. More than 200 Nazarenes are in desperate need of medicine and food. Nazarenes in the DRC have already taken up an offering of USD$80 to help their brothers and sisters, and people who have food are sharing with those who have lost everything.

Urgent necessities in the DRC include food, clothes, and blankets. NCM has sent initial funds of $7,150 for immediate purchase of cassava, beans, and fish but much more help is needed.

"Our brothers and sisters of the DRC have endured years of hardship and suffering," stated World Mission Director Louie Bustle. "In a country where the average annual income is just $100, life is difficult enough without the added burden of killing, looting, disease, and displacement. They desperately need our support, encouragement, and prayers."

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “DRC Relief ACM1199.”

• 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2005