Press Releases
Landslide Buries Church; Pastor's Children Killed
 Guatemala
(July 5, 2005) – World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle reports
the following:
The side of a mountain collapsed and crushed homes in seven neighborhoods
of the rural Guatemalan town of San Antonio Senahu. The Calvary Nazarene
church and parsonage were also destroyed, killing Pastor Bonifacio
Rax's children, ages five and seven. At least twenty-three people
were killed, an additional forty-five were injured, and dozens more
are still missing. Forty-two Nazarene families lost their homes and
all their possessions. Rescue efforts to reach San Antonio Senahu
were hindered by another mudslide on the highway leading to the town,
which had to be cleared with heavy equipment by the army.
Several churches of the Verapaz Oriental District are gathering food
and clothes to help. The water systems in the community collapsed
so NCM is helping the forty-two families with plastic 200-liters containers
of water. Food is being provided for each family for two weeks to
help them through the initial trauma of their losses. One family can
be fed for two weeks for approximately USD$35.00. If additional funds
become available, this effort may be extended to six weeks. Funds
to locally purchase used clothing for the families are also needed.
Due to the mudslide, local Nazarenes are looking for another location
to purchase land and rebuild the church and parsonage. It is hoped
that Work and Witness teams can assist with the rebuilding at a later
date. Dr. Helmer Juarez, MAC Region NCM Coordinator, has requested,
"Please pray for all those affected, especially Pastor Rax and his
church family during this time of loss. We would also appreciate prayers
for the forty-two families who will need to replace their own homes
sometime in the future."
"Our prayers and gratitude go out to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
and NCM Administrative Director Larry Bollinger, for their untiring
response to our hurting brothers and sisters in Guatemala and throughout
our world." - Dr. Louie Bustle
Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts
can mark their checks “Guatemala Landslide Relief ACM2000.”
 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
July 5, 2005
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