Press Releases

Hurricane Katrina Response

Hurricane Katrina made landfall early Monday morning near Buras, Louisiana, southeast of New Orleans. The storm, which earlier passed across Southern Florida as a category 1 hurricane, gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico and struck with winds in excess of 140 mph. The eye of the storm passed east of New Orleans and hit with full force between Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi. The storm moved north over Mississippi and is progressing along the Tennessee/Virginia border with sustained Tropical Storm force winds Tuesday morning.

Monday afternoon found downtown Gulfport under twelve feet of water. Massive flooding and winds still above 100 mph were wreaking havoc in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mobile, Alabama, and other cities along the coast. An estimated 500,000 homes are without power and the damage from Katrina is expected to approach $16 Billion.

While the hundreds of thousands were evacuating, Nazarene Disaster Response leaders were laying plans to respond and offer support for the victims. Pastor Freddie Lindsey has assembled 2500 Crisis Care Kits in Monroeville, Alabama, which will be trucked to effected areas as soon as the roads are re-opened to traffic. Disaster recovery veteran Pastor Roy Shuck, has organized another volunteer group, from Naples, Florida to establish a base of operations at the Church of the Nazarene in Pearl River, Louisiana (approximately halfway between New Orleans and Gulfport). For information on volunteering and material donations contact NDR at 888-256-5886.

Dozens of local churches in Louisiana and Mississippi, including the Louisiana District Campground, have opened their doors to provide shelter for those driven from their homes. NDR will partner with the American Red Cross, FEMA and other relief organizations to determine the most urgent needs and help those displaced by the storm.

“These areas are still recovering from the devastating hurricanes of last year,” reports Dan Soliday, USA/Canada Compassionate Ministries Coordinator, “we must show the love of Christ through clean water; safe refuge, dry shelter; and hope in this time of great need.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks payable to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene with "ACM1801 Hurricane Katrina Relief” in the memo line.

• 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.

(Photos by Associated Press)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2005