Press Releases

New Quake Rocks Tsunami Area

Church bells rang out in the night alerting people of the danger of another possible tsunami after an 8.7 earthquake struck off the Sumatra coast. Monday’s quake lasted almost three full minutes and was felt as far away as Malaysia, where high-rise buildings were evacuated and people ran into the streets. Thousands of people in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka fled to higher ground, many of them reliving the fear from the December 26 tsunami that killed almost 300,000.

In Banda Aceh, an area hit hard in December, Monday’s earthquake triggered mass hysteria when the electricity was cut off. Plunged into darkness, thousands of people panicked and ran. An official on the island of Nias, which bore the brunt of the earthquake, stated, “The situation here is extreme panic.” While no tsunami materialized, Gunung Sitoli, the island’s main town, reported collapsed roads, failed water supplies, and the United Nations is reporting that at least 1000 people have perished. Approximately eighty percent of the town’s buildings were damaged, and relief efforts to dig people out are continuing.

Nias is where NCM’s tsunami relief efforts have been focused in Indonesia. Pastor Zega, who began church planting efforts on Nias just weeks before the December tsunami hit, has been spared in both disasters. After Monday’s quake he shared, “There are a lot of casualties here and many people are left homeless. Please pray for the people of Nias.” Plans are underway to possibly set up a Nazarene base in Pastor Zega’s village to handle new relief efforts and distribution. Because of the trauma of the two disasters, many of the people are in a state of shock and fear. Counseling, especially for the children, is another critical need that is being addressed.

Asia Pacific NCM personnel have met with the mayor of Nias and the vice-governor of Sumatra. NCM is currently coordinating the situation assessment with local leaders and developing strategic response efforts.

“We can’t help but feel that God placed Pastor Zega in Nias ‘for such a time as this,’” stated World Mission Director Louie Bustle. “He is strategically poised to minister in a new world area by showing his neighbors the compassion of Christ. Let’s do our part in praying for God’s grace to sustain them as they work tirelessly to bring help and hope to the victims of yet another terrible disaster in Nias.”

NCM will be organizing this work with the Tsunami relief already underway.

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 30, 2005