Press Releases

500,000 Displaced by Fighting in Somalia

The worst violence in 17 years has recently devastated, the city of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. It is reported that 500,000 people have fled the capital since the violence began three months ago. A cholera outbreak has killed hundreds of children and elderly in the last eight weeks.

Now as the violence seems to be ending, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has developed a plan to assist families to return from refugee camps so that they do not become permanently displaced. Our goal is to provide immediate assistance to people who are living without shelter under trees and in the countryside. Families will receive materials to construct emergency shelter, and some assistance with food and, because of the cholera outbreak, assistance with drinking water. Later some assistance with materials to rebuild houses is planned so that people are not displaced permanently.

Many relief organizations have given up on trying to assist in Somalia because they are forced to pay bribes to local clans and to hire gunmen. NCM is blessed to have a strong network of local leaders who have been able to work with community leaders to do small scale assistance projects in ways that avoid these problems.

In early 2005, in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami, NCM was able to assist 60 families in coastal villages to regain financial self-sufficiency. In communities where all boats had been destroyed, fishermen were enabled to return to the sea. One coastal community received assistance in restoring a radio communication system which was vital to fishermen and to communication with the outside world.

At the end of a severe drought in mid-2006, NCM was able to distribute seed grain to destitute farmers in key growing areas. Through careful community planning, and timely rains, these farmers received a bumper crop and were able to avoid being displaced from their land.

At least $20,000 to provide food, water jerry cans and plastic sheets are urgently needed for this project.

World Mission Director, Dr. Louie Bustle said, “We are praying that God will use the Church of the Nazarene to help many of these displaced families return home and that in the process we will be an instrument of Christ’s peace.”

In a region of the world that many view as hopeless, you can extend a helping hand to displaced people! Thanks for your part in this project.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Internally Displaced People, ACM2004. ”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2007

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• 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.