Press Releases

Tropical Cyclone Wipes out Nazarene Ministries in Bangladesh

Cyclone Sidr hit land in Bangladesh at night on Thursday, November 15, 2007.  According to the Associated Press, at least 1,100 people have lost their lives and thousand more, their homes.  Many fishing vessels have not returned to shore.  The phase-4 cyclone left a path of destruction from the southwest part of Bangladesh towards the center of the country.  In addition to dumping huge amounts of rain, it has also sent flood waves into the coastal areas.  This combination is potentially devastating because one-third of Bangladesh is below sea level.

Church of the Nazarene District Superintendent Nathan Biswas left immediately to visit the most affected area by a road that is now blocked by trees and debris.  Now, like many others, he is not able to reach his home area to see if his family is okay.

“This is horrible,” Rev. Biswas shared. “Whole villages are gone. Mongla, where Nazarenes from Canada, Netherlands, and Germany offered helping hands after the last disaster and started a Child Development Center, lost 60 percent of its homes. The center is totally wiped out.  The daughter of one of our leaders was hit by a tree and is in severe condition.  Another Nazarene who was injured may not make it.  And that is just the beginning of the horror story.”

Bangladesh has been frequently hit by natural disasters.  Tropical cyclones hit in both 1970 and 1991 with death tolls between 135,000 and 500,000.  People are praying that this will not happen again.

“We need to do something right away,” Rev. Biswas urged.

The thousands who have lost everything need food and clean water immediately.  In the rebuilding process, they will also need cyclone-proof housing.  As the cyclone is losing power over land, NCM is planning a major effort to respond to the needs of those who are suffering.  Please consider joining the church as it shares hope and celebrates God's love in the midst of this hardship.

“As our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh live through yet another natural disaster, we must continue to pray and respond with love and care,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle said. “God is working through the church to help those who struggle through the pain and suffering of these difficult days.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “South Asia Disaster Relief ACM1549” 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16,2007

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• On-line using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express
• 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.