Press Releases

Calamity Continues in the Caribbean

It’s one of the six worst hurricanes ever recorded in history. With fierce winds approaching 165 mph, Hurricane Ivan has slammed through the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Grenada, and Cuba; and is headed for Mexico and the U.S. Coast. The Category 5 hurricane – the strongest category – created 30-foot waves, severe flooding, and catastrophic structural damage. So far Ivan has killed 65 people across the Caribbean and left behind a panorama of desolation and wreckage in its wake.

In Grenada where ninety percent of the country was affected, Rev. Phillip Easton reports that the Nazarene church and parsonage were completely destroyed. The District Superintendent of Jamaica East lost the roof and the contents of his home. At this time we do not have detailed information on how the 29 Nazarene churches in Jamaica, the 33 in Barbados, or the one in Aruba fared in the path of Ivan.

The Bahamas, which was affected by Hurricane Frances a week ago, lost three Nazarene churches and their contents. While no Nazarenes lost their lives, many of them lost their homes. They are expected to be without electricity for five weeks. Yet churches in the Bahamas have already donated $1,000 to Hurricane Frances relief efforts across the Caribbean, Bahamas District Superintendent Rev. Daniel Small reported.

Immediate, urgent needs for hurricane victims are potable water, medicines, canned food, batteries, and construction materials. NCM, Inc., is putting together a shipment of Crisis Care Kits and other supplies to be sent to the Caribbean as soon as possible. World Mission Director Louie Bustle stated, “Your prayers for our brothers and sisters caught in Ivan’s path are greatly appreciated during this crisis. Many of them have had all of their belongings blown away and their homes and churches destroyed. Let’s do what we can to help those affected recover from this terrible catastrophe.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for Russia can relief effort can mark their checks “Hurricane Relief ACM1249.”

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
September 14, 2004