Mozambique Flooding Update
 Flying over the delta of the Zambezi River into the Sofala region of Mozambique, the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries team along with people from partner organizations saw an unbelievable sight—houses surrounded by water making it difficult to determine where the actual river bed was, acres of maize crops drowned, and roads covered by streams of water. The various makeshift settlements were inaccessible by any road. They had become islands that were cut off from the rest of the world, including fresh water and any food supply.
On one of these “islands,” the team noticed a large number of square huts not larger than a small tent made out of sticks and branches and covered with dry grass. People had gathered in the area and constructed informal shelters on an elevated piece of land to escape the water that had destroyed virtually everything they owned. A white flag with a cross lifted on a poll waved in the air. The community had cleared a square piece of land so that it was ready for any helicopter to land. A group of people waved trying to catch the helicopter’s attention.
This community, called “Canga,” had gone unnoticed since the recent floods began in Mozambique, and so early the next morning, the helicopter took off again in Canga’s direction. About 1,300 people had gathered on this island of hope, but time was running out. Three children had already died of starvation. Through the partnership of the Church of the Nazarene with other organizations, one metric ton of emergency food, tarps, and water bottles were now brought to the people in need. Another organization, Humedica, provided a medical team to assess the needs of the community.
District Superintendent Fernando Gimo accounted for three Nazarene pastors and about 630 Nazarenes in the area. Rev. Alberto Genti said he and the other two pastors gathered all the people from their communities to this island of safety to escape the rushing water. He said, “There was no way to get to a refugee camp because we have been locked in by water. But we knew that if we put up the flag with the cross, help would come, and so we prepared a space for a helicopter to land.” Those affected by the floods say thank you to the Nazarene community worldwide who make it possible for the NCM team to reach out and be God’s hands in their most desperate time of need.
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 28,2007
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.
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