Press Releases

More than 22,000 Killed in Myanmar Cyclone

Cyclone Nargis slammed through a 30,000 square kilometer area of the coast of Myanmar over the weekend, leaving destruction and death in its wake. The Myanmar government radio has confirmed 22,464 dead and as many as 41,000 missing in the hardest hit areas of the low-lying Irrawaddy delta region and Yangon. Tidal waves, some up to 12 feet high, are reported to have killed most of the victims in that region. The UN also reports that up to one million people have been left homeless. 

South-east Asia (SEA) Field and mission personnel have made contact with Nazarene leaders in the area. They are shaken but safe. They were relieved to hear about the love, concern, and support of their Nazarene family.  Several of the 21 Nazarene churches in Myanmar are located in areas hit by Nargis.   

NCM and Field personnel hope to travel into Myanmar later this week to survey the situation and distribute relief supplies such as basic food items, water, and emergency shelter. NCM is coordinating with other international relief and aid agencies in an endeavor to collaborate in an effective response to this disaster.  

“The magnitude of this crisis is still unknown. We must keep in prayer our brothers and sisters who have lost family, homes, and livelihood,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said.

Please continue to pray for the families of those killed in the cyclone as well as those still missing. Pray for SEA Field NCM staff, mission personnel, and local church members who are partnering together and working through the challenges of addressing this crisis.

Persons and churches wishing to contribute to the relief efforts can mark their checks “Myanmar Cyclone Relief NCMPRMM08” and send them to Global Treasury Services, 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
May 8, 2008

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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.