Press Releases
Hurricane Katrina Update 9/02/05
Rescue efforts continue in New Orleans, as clean-up and recovery
get underway in Mississippi and Alabama following the absolute devastation
of Hurricane Katrina. 25,000 survivors are being bussed from the Superdome
in New Orleans to the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. Thousands more
wait in the New Orleans Convention Center in unspeakable conditions;
many have already died waiting there. The Astrodome, as well as a
stadium in San Antonio, TX have been prepared as an emergency shelter,
with electricity, air conditioning, running water, plumbing, and shower
facilities-amenities which the survivors have been without for several
days.
The Mayor of New Orleans has declared martial law and directed police
and National Guard forces to divert from their rescue missions in
an effort to restore order from the numerous roving bands of armed
looters who still remain in the flooded city. A third levee broke
overnight, but the water level in the city and nearby Lake Ponchatrain
have now equalized, ending fears of continued rising water.
In Mississippi nearly all buildings and roads within a quarter mile
of the beachfront have been totally destroyed. Such destruction stretches
from New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. The death toll continues
to rise as communication in the area is still non-existent. The Gulf
Coast Family Church of the Nazarene and the Crossroads Church of the
Nazarene, both along Interstate 10 sustained structural damage, with
Crossroads losing their steeple; both buildings are still mostly intact.
Pastor Ernie Gray and his family have suffered a total loss of their
home.
Roads are still closed to Mississippi and Louisiana, but teams will
be entering as soon as possible. Plans are already underway to have
volunteers at each local church with fresh water, crisis care kits
and other necessities as people return to what is left of their homes.
Our most immediate need is for money to purchase the necessary materials
and provide essentials to those affected. You can make an immediate
donation online at http://www.ncm.org/news_katrina.aspx.
Nazarenes all over the state of Texas have mobilized to help victims
of the hurricane. Brian Schaffer in the South Texas District Office
and the Urban Link Compassionate Ministry Center are mobilizing local
churches to help in that area. For information on how you can assist
in that effort call 281-444-7585.
For those interested in volunteering or bringing supplies to the
affected areas, contact NDR coordinator JV Morsch at 1-888-256-5886
and please be patient if the lines are busy. We also have a need for
Crisis Care Kits. Instructions for the kits can be found at http://www.ncm.org/news_katrina.aspx.
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
September 02, 2005
|