Press Releases

Strong Typhoon Slams the Philippines

Typhoon Durian landed in the Philippines on Thursday nearly missing the capital city of Manila. At maximum speeds of 190-225 km, the heavy rains resulted in landslides and mud flows causing fatalities estimated at over a thousand people. Many are still missing and the number of injured is still rising. A total of over 14,000 are affected in all ten provinces. Philippines Field Strategy Coordinator, David Phillips, reports that the category 4 typhoon was moving toward Metro Manila before diverting south, averting what could have been an even more significant loss of life and property. The region also has an active volcano, Mt. Mayon, which contributed to the damage. Black sandy mud slid off the sides of the volcano and buried two or three whole villages near the area. These mud flows reached nearly 8 km away. Rev. Phillips received notice that the district office and parsonage, which was recently restored after Typhoon Xangsane hit in late September, sustained further damage this week.

Our brothers and sisters in the Church of the Nazarene have not escaped the effects of the storm. Most of the homes of our members in the Bicol area have been damaged and are not inhabitable. Legaspi, where the Church of the Nazarene has a congregation and an elementary school, was one of the hardest hit towns. Two parents of students and two students from the Legaspi Elementary School were killed. There have been more than a thousand recovered bodies in the area affected by the typhoon, and there are still many more people missing and feared dead. The church building and parsonage were damaged with both portions of the roof and walls blown away. About 50 people are staying in the school and church building as a temporary shelter area. The roads to other Nazarene churches are still impassable.

On Wednesday, a team of six people from the Nazarene Field Office will deliver supplies, help repair damage buildings, and network with other agencies in the affected area. Damage is extensive as well as disheartening as Durian destroyed the restoration efforts, such as crop replanting that began after the devastation of Typhoon Xangsane. Rev. Phillips indicated that financial support will assist with the immediate purchase and delivery of basic food supplies and generators to run water filters. Local congregations have offered volunteer support and are looking for other ways to contribute to the restoration operations.

World Mission Director Louie Bustle encourages, "During this time of devastation and uncertainty we must rally around our brothers and sisters with our prayers and support."

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Philippine Typhoon Relief ACM1637” 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
December 5, 2006

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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.

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