Press Releases

Tidal Wave Disater– Please Respond

The world’s most powerful earthquake in 40 years struck six miles deep under the Indian Ocean on Sunday. A 620-mile section of a geological plate shifted, unleashing massive tsunami waves up to 33 feet high that obliterated villages and seaside resorts in eight countries across southern Asia, killing more than 23,000 people. The tsunami was so powerful it shook skyscrapers in Singapore and reached across the ocean to smash boats and kill nine people along the coast of East Africa, 3,000 miles away. “The 9.0 quake even disturbed the earth’s rotation,” reported Enzo Boschi, the head of Italy’s Geophysics Institute.

In Sri Lanka, where the death toll has already reached more than 12,000, terrifying walls of water roared ashore with speeds of 500 miles per hour, sweeping people off beaches and flattening homes and hotels. In Indonesia the waves swallowed whole villages, with 5,000 people reported dead. India was also hit hard with more than 3,000 dead and 2,500 missing; the small town of Cuddalore already had a mass burial this morning for 150 of their children. Other countries affected are Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, and Bangladesh. Millions are displaced from their homes and thousands are still missing.

Within hours of the disaster, NCM local field workers in India were mobilized to respond. Drinking water, food, mats, and clothes were assembled for distribution. In Sri Lanka, several hundred people have fled to the Nazarene Church in Puttalam, where similar relief efforts are being put in place. The humanitarian situation is immense, with the most urgent need being clean water and food.

During the last three years NCM South Asia has trained over 100 leaders in disaster relief. Tens of thousands of Nazarenes, including medical personnel at the Nazarene hospital in Washim, are prepared to assist in relief efforts as supplies can be provided. “In a crisis of this immensity,” said World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle, “We are so thankful that we already have a built-in distribution system through NCM in the local churches. Let’s do our part in helping them, and in praying for God’s grace to sustain our brothers and sisters as they work tirelessly to bring help and hope to the victims of this massive disaster.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “Tidal Wave Relief ACM1762” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at www.ncm.org.

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.

*** Please note that due to recent congressional legislation, U.S. donors may be able to deduct a contribution on their 2004 taxes for contributions made in January 2005 that are specifically marked for Tsunami Relief efforts. NCM will mark checks in January’s business if they are postmarked by January 31 and received in our office no later than February 7, 2005. Please consult your tax advisor if you have questions regarding your specific situation.

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
December 27, 2004