Press Releases
Volunteers Needed for Tsunami Rehabilitation Efforts
NCM Update #11 on Tsunami Disaster Relief
Printable Version
The Church of the Nazarene only began work in Sri Lanka in 2000.
Yet despite the church’s relatively new presence in Sri Lanka,
local Nazarenes began responding immediately after their small island
nation had more than 80% of its coastal areas affected by the crushing
tsunami waves. In the end, the tsunami killed almost 31,000 people
in Sri Lanka. Local Nazarenes collected and delivered clothes, food,
and supplies to those affected. Pastors and lay people who have been
trained in trauma counseling are also assisting in the recovery. World
Mission Director Louie Bustle remarks, “We should be proud of
our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters who responded so quickly to the
needs around them. They are embodying the message of the gospel as
they administer Christ’s love in the midst of great sorrow and
loss.”
The needs in Sri Lanka are still great. Schools and homes need to
be rebuilt. People need access to affordable healthcare. Thousands
of people still desperately need to hear that Jesus loves them and
not only cares about their sorrow, but offers them hope.
Nazarenes have chosen to focus relief efforts on the towns of Kalmunai
and Kiraitivu and their surrounding twenty-two villages. Approximately
75,000 people live in this area and need critical assistance with
rebuilding, healthcare, and overcoming their emotional trauma. During
the first two weeks of March a team from Nazarene Reynolds Memorial
Hospital in India assisted with medical needs, but much more work
lies ahead. The Eurasia Region is looking for qualified volunteers
in the rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Ministry opportunities available to volunteers and churches are:
• Two individuals or couples to help on a long-term basis to
direct Work & Witness teams and to supervise rebuilding efforts.
• A coordinator for up to twelve months for health services
and medical teams.
• Small medical teams of four to six doctors and nurses.
• Work and Witness teams to rebuild houses, infrastructure,
and a center that will allow ongoing trauma counseling and care.
For supervisory and coordinator roles, experience in rough conditions
is a must and experience working with disaster response is ideal.
For those involved in reconstruction efforts, experience in disaster
response is preferred.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to support our Nazarenes in
Sri Lanka,” stated Eurasia Regional Director Dr. Gustavo Crocker.
“A long-term response like this will also help many hurting
people find healing and hope. It is an opportunity to plant seeds
for the church to harvest, bringing results for eternity. We will
gratefully welcome volunteers willing to serve the Lord and help the
tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.”
Interested volunteers need to contact the Office of Volunteerism
at wmvolunteer@nazarene.org
or visit the Volunteer website at www.nivs.org.
Check out the NCM website’s new multi-media Tsunami Section
at www.ncm.org.
A free Tsunami DVD is also available for order.
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts
can mark their checks “Tsunami Relief ACM1762.”
 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
March 18, 2005
|