Press Releases

Tsunami Death Toll Soars over 124,000

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“The sea stood up and ran to my door,” is the way one survivor described the incredible tsunami waves that thundered ten miles inland, crushing villages along the coasts of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India. The descriptions of history’s costliest natural disaster are almost incomprehensible; the scenes of unrelenting grief are heartbreaking. With a mounting death toll already topping 124,000 from 36 nations, beach resort hotels have become morgues as governments scramble to dig mass graves. Five million people are homeless and facing the threat of cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, malaria, meningitis, and measles. More than ever, this area of the 10/40 window needs hope.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is coordinating relief efforts with the Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organization, and is also partnering with Heart to Heart to facilitate an airlift of relief supplies with Fedex. NCM provided an initial $50,000 for urgent relief efforts, and is preparing Crisis Care Kits. Recent disaster response training with 100 leaders in the area puts NCM in a unique position as a delivery system for significant amounts of aid; other organizations are contacting NCM about partnership possibilities.

In India, blankets, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, and food are being distributed to 500-600 families in the Minjur and Pondichery areas. The tsunami destroyed a Nazarene prayer shed in Minjur and the JESUS Film was shown recently in Pondichery. Church members in India are also collecting donations of used clothing and bed sheets for survivors. In Thailand, where New Year’s Eve celebrations have been cancelled in honor of the tsunami victims, NCM is partnering with the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand for immediate relief aid.

“Supplies given now will relieve tremendous physical suffering,” stated Eurasia Regional Director Dr. Gustavo Crocker, “But given in the name of Jesus, they can also empower local churches for effective ministry in areas where people are both physically and spiritually poor." Please pray for the victims and our local church members as they minister to them.

In the tradition of the Church of the Nazarene our brothers and sisters in South Asia are doing an amazing job of reaching out to people in difficult circumstances in practical ways, even in the midst of their own needs. We must surround them with our prayers and give sacrificially to resource them in their efforts. In the face of this disaster no amount is too large.

At this moment cash donations are the most practical and effective way to respond. Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “Tsunami 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.

Photos courtesy of NCM India

• 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 31, 2004